Transforming Hemodialysis-Related Vascular Access Education

"Participants are provided with the Getting Ready: Your Vascular Access Journey video and brochure about hemodialysis vascular access. The video is available for viewing via smartphone or computer. Both the brochure and video were created with input from patients with chronic kidney disease."

Participants receive coaching with telehealth-based motivational interviewing designed to prepare participants to move forward with vascular access creation. Motivational interviewing will consist of a minimum of 3 and maximum of 8 telehealth sessions with a coach. The coach will use patient-centered communication skills to work though the stages of pre-contemplative, contemplative, preparation, action, and maintenance of an arteriovenous vascular access.

Participants receive the non-standardized vascular access counseling and referral to the chronic kidney disease education class that comprises the standard care provided by their nephrology clinic.

Nephrologists and clinic staff receive monthly, provider-specific, lists of patients potentially appropriate for AV access planning based on eGFR thresholds and kidney failure risk. These criteria identify patients at risk for progression to dialysis and are congruent with evidence-based guidelines for optimal timing of AV access evaluation referral.