Nutritional status: A continuous quality improvement approach

A retrospective look at hemodialysis patients with malnutrition who were followed-up in the process of continuous quality improvement (CQI) and there were significant decreases in number of hospitalizations and days in the hospital.

Abstract

Intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN) has been used as nutritional repletion in severely malnourished patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study presents a retrospective look at hemodialysis patients with malnutrition who were followed-up in the process of continuous quality improvement (CQI). The costs of intravenous supplies, hospitalizations, and morbidity are reviewed. The application of continuous quality improvement was used to identify and follow-up malnourished patients. There were significant decreases in number of hospitalizations and days in the hospital.