CDC Offers Resources on Preventing Dialysis-Related Infections

A recent study published in the January/February issue of Nephrology Nursing Journal reported dialysis patients’ perspectives on strategies to prevent bloodstream infections. The study explored the attitudes and preferences of patients on hemodialysis regarding educating and engaging such patients in bloodstream infection prevention.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently developed a new pocket guide, "6 Tips to Prevent Dialysis Infections," to educate patients on ways they can help prevent infections. The pocket guide is a companion piece to prevention tools for frontline staff to convey best practices for preventing bloodstream and other infections in hemodialysis patients. 

Other provider resources include a training video "Preventing Bloodstream Infections in Outpatient Hemodialysis Patients," and provider poster "Put Together the Pieces to Prevent Infections in Dialysis Patients."This research highlights the need for prevention tools and educational resources for dialysis patients and staff to prevent bloodstream infections.

For more information about how you can Make Dialysis Safer for Patients, see CDC’s dialysis website: www.cdc.gov/dialysis.