Quality Improvement Initiative to Increase Modality Education in a Nephrology Clinic During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Low attendance by patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD stage 4 and 5) to the kidney replacement therapy (KRT) education sessions was noted by our nurse practitioners at a safety net hospital. The main outcome measure was the weekly percentage of patients with advanced CKD seen by the nephrology division weekly that completed KRT education. Process measures were weekly KRT session attendance by scheduled patients and the weekly referral of patients to KRT education sessions. The weekly education class attendance by scheduled patients reached the target level. This quality improvement project resulted in patients having access to virtual education sessions that helped provide distanced education during the COVID-19 pandemic, and benefitted patients living further away or needing more flexible options due to work and other commitments even in post-pandemic times. Making virtual visits available reduces travel cost for the person as well.