ESRD NETWORK 6 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

Medical Review BoardThe Medical Review Board (MRB) (Table 7) is primarily responsible for overseeing Quality Improvement projectsand activities by reviewing performance data, selecting intervention facilities and monitoring the progress of eachfacility in improving the quality of care provided to patients. The MRB uses Clinical Performance Measures andother data to evaluate the overall quality of care. This committee provides technical assistance, mentoring,educational materials and workshops. The Medical Review Board makes suggestions and provides support ondifficult grievance situations. The Medical Review Board and Consumer Committee work together to developoutreach materials for patients, family members and facility staff. The MRB is geographically and professionallydiverse, including nephrology nurses, physicians, social workers, dietitians and Consumers. They met threetimes face-to-face in 2011 and accomplished the following:Formulated the 2011-2012 Quality Improvement Work Plan (QIWP)Reviewed the Network 6 Annual CMS EvaluationPrepared and implemented a Performance Improvement Plan for increasing AVF useAnalyzed current data to include lab data and vascular access data to identify opportunities forimprovement in careChose focused review facilities for catheter, fistula, anemia and immunization based on ClinicalPerformance Measures (CPM), Lab Data and Fistula First DataReviewed all complaints and grievances and provided technical assistance where necessaryAnalyzed complaint and grievance data to identify and address trends in the Network area, includinginvoluntary dischargesDeveloped sub groups that met quarterly to analyze the data and review progress of projects in theseareas of care:o Catheter Reductiono Fistula Increaseso Anemia Managemento Increasing Immunizationo Trending Complaints and Grievances and assisting with difficult casesP a g e | 27