Project of the Health Policy Program: Access to Vessels in Renal Replacement Therapy - Fistula First/Catheter Last.

Introduction: The number of patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) that require inclusion in the renal replacement therapy program (RRT) is steadily increasing. This fact caused an increase in vascular operations involving the production of vascular access. According to the current guidelines, the best and safest option for a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the early creation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF). An efficient vascular access to haemodialysis determines the procedure and directly affects the quality of life of a patient with CKD. Aim: The aim of this paper is to present the author's project of the health policy program „Vascular access in renal replacement therapy - fistula first/catheter last", the essence of which is to assess the practical effectiveness and develop an optimal model of CKD patient care organization qualified for the chronic RRT program. Material and methods: The target population of the program consists of all patients diagnosed with CKD, qualified for the RRT program. The basic measures of the program's effectiveness include: (1) reduction in the number of re-hospitalizations related to vascular access, (2) reduction in the number of complications associated with haemofiltration surgery, (3) reduction in general mortality among patients undergoing dialysis in a 12-month perspective, (4) increasing knowledge in the field of self-care and self-care of arteriovenous anastomosis, and (5) creating a register of vascular access in Poland. Conclusions: To sum up, health policy programme "Vascular access in renal replacement therapy - fistula first/catheter last" covering health care services provided in the scope and on the conditions specified in the regulations issued on the basis of article 31d of the Act of 27 August 2004 on health care benefits financed from public funds, is to check whether planned changes in the organization and delivery of services will improve the situation of patients with CKD eligible for chronic RRT and whether it will be effective the point of view of the health care system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]