Does anyone do standardized treatment times in the acute setting i.e. all runs 3 hrs (unless otherwise indicated)? We're trying to improve throughput and someone suggested this. Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by Kathy Ellis:
Does anyone do standardized treatment times in the acute setting i.e. all runs 3 hrs (unless otherwise indicated)? We're trying to improve throughput and someone suggested this. Thanks!

Kathy,

There are really two schools of thought on this...

1. Patients in the hospital just need to be dialyzed well enough to keep them going until they are discharged back totheir chronic unit so shortened times are acceptable.

2. If anything, patients in the hospital need to be as well dialyzed as possible in order to promote healing.

Personally I think there is too much "rubber stamping" going on in the industry now-a-days. In a few areas it's ok, but dialysis times isn't one of them.

Chuck

Hi Kathy,
As an Acute Hemodialysis Nurse who also travels, I've seen the gamet as it relates to scheduling of treatments. My experience has been that patients are typically run at shorter periods ie. 3hr runs usually when in an acute care setting. This is safe and acceptable. The MD has a hand on with frequent lab values and can determine the need for extended times. Most likely those requiring extended times need SLED or CRRT because of hemodynamic instability. As you well know chronic dialysis treatment times are set to accommodate days not receiving treatments. Patients in an acute care setting may typically require daily dialysis in short doses. With the use of high flux and more efficient dialyzer dialysis times have been reduced in patients even in chronic settings. I think you can feel safe in creating an acute schedule that is designed around 3 hrs. run unless otherwise indicated without feeling that you are cutting your patient short. If you cut them short, it will show in their lab work. If you would like to hear more information please feel free to contact me at sula@nursepreneurglobal.net