A System for Monitoring Quality of Care in the Hemodialysis Unit

摘要

Quantitative measurement of low molecular weight solute removal during extracorporeal hemodialysis has been judged the best gauge of its success. To provide a more efficient system for periodic measurement of the adequacy of dialysis by estimating urea generation and removal, a microcomputer program was developed and refined for use with the IBM PC. The program provides several reports for individual patients as well as the unit as a whole that reflect the need for, intensity and success of the dialysis process itself. Twenty-eight variables, either entered by the user or computed using the single compartment model, are stored on disk during each analysis. Ample use of menus, cursor controls and error trapping provide an environment for use by untrained personnel and provision is made for experimentation with alternative prescriptions by those skilled in urea kinetic analysis. The system has been in use for over 5 years in our facility, providing valuable data for administrators, nursing, dieticians and physicians involved in the delivery of this vital service.