Abstract: PUB057
Start Smart: Improving Dialysis Care in the Hospital
Session Information
Category: Dialysis
- 801 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Authors
- Somi, Shamima A., The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
- Yunas, Samia, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
- Arwani, Suneel, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
- Wells, Catherine C., The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
Background
Hospitalized hemodialysis patients are vulnerable when routine care is disrupted and key details are missed. A simple admission checklist prompts early capture of dry weight, standing weight, dialysis access, and volume status. Recording these essentials at the start supports safer decisions, reduces preventable complications, and helps teams plan timely, consistent dialysis from day one.
Methods
At the University of Mississippi Medical Center, this QI project uses pre/post periods (Mar–Jun and Jul–Oct 2026) for adults with ESKD needing dialysis. An Epic checklist, reminder cards, and brief teaching prompt documentation of dry weight, standing weight, access, and volume. Outcomes: documentation, time to dialysis, dry-weight accuracy, complications, and provider satisfaction, using Epic logs, dialysis records, and surveys.
Results
Projected results, based on prior QI studies, suggest checklists can raise documentation by 25–50%. Dry-weight recording may rise from ~60% to ~90%, and time to first dialysis may drop by 4–6 hours. Better early assessment of volume and access is expected to cut hypotension (~20%), access delays (~15%), and fluid readmissions (~10%), while improving provider workflow and communication.
Conclusion
This subject is a practical, evidence based quality improvement initiative designed to standardize the early evaluation of hospitalized ESKD patients. By focusing on dry weight, standing weight, dialysis access, and volume status, the project aims to improve safety, reduce complications, and streamline provider workflow. The combination of Epic checklists, visual reminders, and targeted education is supported by strong QI literature and aligns with national efforts to improve inpatient care processes. With clear leadership, a strong study design, and meaningful outcome measures, this project has the potential to significantly improve dialysis care at UMMC and serve as a replicable model for other hospitals.
Acknowledgment
Pradeep Vaitla, MD (program director)