Transplant Change Package

January | 2021

Your January Transplant Change Package

This month we are focusing on the implementation of continuous quality improvement through the tracking of transplant referrals and progress by engaging physicians and staff to review transplant data. We recommend ongoing discussion about transplant with patients as well. Through the Transplant Change Package we encourage dialysis facility staff to assist and guide patients through the transplant process by opening communication pathways to work with the Transplant centers. Please utilize the Quality Improvement Tools below to guide you through the action steps listed for both Drivers two and three. Please view this Transplant Change Package in its entirety.

Kidney Transplant Drivers Part Two

Implement Continuous Quality Improvement

Quality Improvement Tools: Please use the tools below to assist with meeting the actions steps.

Transplant Status Change Form

This tool helps dialysis facilities track current transplant waitlisted patients, where they’re waitlisted, and any status changes. We hope any changes in status will prompt facilities to notify the appropriate transplant center. This tool facilitates communication and ensures there is no gap or delay in a patient receiving an offer for a transplant.

This form can be modified and adapted for the dialysis unit’s needs by providing different tabs for individuals monitoring more than one facility. It is printer friendly to allow the flexibility to share this information with floor staff who might need to take blood samples for the transplant center, interdisciplinary team (IDT) team during quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) meetings, and patient discussions on transplant and transplant status.

Network 10 Form (IL)

Network 12 Form (IA, KS, MO, NE)

Let's Talk Transplant Featuring:

University of Missouri Transplant Team

This interactive learning session for dialysis facilities, created with help from the Transplant team at University of Missouri, covered transplant referral, evaluation, waitlist, multi-listing, criteria, financial considerations, living donation and more!

View the Webinar

Kidney Transplant Drivers Part Three

Continually Follow Up on Transplant Status

Action Steps:

3a: Hold informal discussions about transplant with each patient at every patient clinic visit

3b: Provide patients with knowledge, tools, and support to help them move the process forward

3c: Act as a case manager to facilitate progress

3d: Maintain communications with transplant centers

Quality Improvement Tools: Please use the tools below to assist with meeting the actions steps.

Transplant Work-up Checklist and Transplant Discussion Topics

These resources guide patients through the transplant process, making sure they keep up with important tests, labs, and appointments. They also encourage patients to ask questions and be informed of all aspects of the transplant process. The Transplant Work-up Checklist and the Transplant Discussion Topics resources were developed with input from our Medical Review Board (MRB) members including health professionals and patients.

BMI Toolkit

The BMI Toolkit provides general guidance for body mass index (BMI) requirements as it pertains to kidney transplantation. This toolkit also serves as a guide for weight loss requirements and guidance.

Download

Partnering With Your

Transplant Team

This book helps patients and families learn how to become a “partner” with their transplant team and take an active role in their healthcare. It highlights some tips to encourage the partnership between patients and the transplant team.

Download

Engaging Patients and Families

Action for Kidney Health Calendar

The Network is providing a new calendar to encourage patient engagement in their care by taking different actions for their kidney health in 2021. January’s Action for Kidney Health calendar topic is Active and Healthy Living, focusing on encouraging active and healthy habits to improve overall health. This month’s Action for Kidney Health for transplant is: “Regular exercise can help your overall wellness and will help you be ready for the transplant call and speed recovery time.” Download and print the calendar for your patients and encourage them to take all the actions for their kidney health.

Download January Calendar

Online Tools

Online resources and videos are another strategy to engage patients and their family in learning more about transplant as a treatment option. The ESRD NCC has several resources available including:

Kidney Transplant Hub acts as a centralized website for patients for trusted information on each step of the kidney transplant process.
Patient Education Video- Understanding High-KDPI and Increased Risk Kidneys: This two-minute video delivers easy-to-understand education directed to patients and is intentional in promoting of the possibilities of receiving a high KDPI or increased risk kidney transplant.

Sharing Best Practices

We know that you have some current processes and resources in place to help drive the Transplant Referrals for your facility. We would love to have you share this information with the Network and your peers as a way to assist with increasing the number of patients that are referred for or receive kidney transplants.

Share Your Best Practice

This newsletter was prepared and distributed by Qsource ESRD Networks, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (contract number HHSM-500-2016-00010C and HHSM-500-2016-00012C). The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy. 20.Q-ESRD.10.149a

ESRD Network 10: 317-257-8265 | Patient Line: 800-456-6919 | Website

ESRD Network 12: 816-880-9990 | Patient Line: 800-444-9965 | Website