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National Information Center on Health Services Research and Health Care Technology (NICHSR)

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Introduction to Health Services Research : A Self-Study Course

Case Description | Case Background | Case Objectives | Case Exercise

Case 2. The End-Stage Renal Disease Program: Quality Issues (Page 10 of 34)
Phase One: Thinking About the Issues

Q3b. In general, what indicates "good" quality of care provided by a dialysis center? What questions would you ask a dialysis center about its standards of care? Consider some aspects of its structure and process.

Suggested Solution

You should consider a site's

  • for-profit status
  • adequate medication given
  • well-maintained equipment
  • well-trained staff
  • use of accepted treatment protocols regarding the frequency and duration of dialysis [12-14 hours per patient recommended, mortality rate under 15 percent, urea-reduction rate above 65 percent (Klahr, 1996)]
  • health education for patients and families
  • supportive care from the staff, and
  • cultural competence (among its staff)
These are a few of the quality components you may wish to consider. What other standards of care might you want to consider in addition to those listed?

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