Key points for patient safety in dialysis access

J Vasc Access. 2015:16 Suppl 9:S114-7. doi: 10.5301/jva.5000375. Epub 2015 Mar 8.

Abstract

For more than 15 years, patient safety has been an issue in different domains of medicine. There is evidence for this subject and also a great need for information. First, we should be familiar with the basic terminology such as the relationship between adverse events and errors, and understand the variations of error. In patient management, besides skills and knowledge (evidence-based medicine), the ability (competence) of healthcare professionals to act and react in unexpected situations is key to prevent and treat adverse events. Not only healthcare professionals should be involved in the process but also healthy people in a way that they understand and patients in a way that they are actively involved. This paper will show how a more general view of patient safety can and should be implemented in the daily work of caregivers dealing with dialysis access in different aspects. A key factor to advance in this subject is to be open-minded and sensualized for this topic. The reader should get an idea of how an institution can create a culture of safety.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical* / adverse effects
  • Catheterization, Central Venous* / adverse effects
  • Clinical Competence
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / diagnosis
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / therapy*
  • Patient Care Team
  • Patient Safety*
  • Protective Factors
  • Renal Dialysis* / adverse effects
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome