Providing Hemodialysis in Unstable Areas: An Assessment and Framework for Effective Care

Introduction: Providing hemodialysis to patients with kidney failure (KF) in conflict-affected areas poses a significant challenge. Achieving and sustaining reasonable quality hemodialysis operations in such regions necessitates a comprehensive approach. Methods: In the conflict area of Northwest (N...

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Main Authors: Sami Alasfar, Hani Alashavi, Khaled Hajj Nasan, Abd Aljabbar Haj Mousa, Camila Polinori, Valerie Luyckx, Mohamed Sekkarie, Saleh Kaysi, Lina Murad, Gilbert M. Burnham
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-03-01
Series:Kidney International Reports
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468024923016285
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author Sami Alasfar
Hani Alashavi
Khaled Hajj Nasan
Abd Aljabbar Haj Mousa
Camila Polinori
Valerie Luyckx
Mohamed Sekkarie
Saleh Kaysi
Lina Murad
Gilbert M. Burnham
author_facet Sami Alasfar
Hani Alashavi
Khaled Hajj Nasan
Abd Aljabbar Haj Mousa
Camila Polinori
Valerie Luyckx
Mohamed Sekkarie
Saleh Kaysi
Lina Murad
Gilbert M. Burnham
author_sort Sami Alasfar
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Providing hemodialysis to patients with kidney failure (KF) in conflict-affected areas poses a significant challenge. Achieving and sustaining reasonable quality hemodialysis operations in such regions necessitates a comprehensive approach. Methods: In the conflict area of Northwest (NW) Syria, a 3-phase project was initiated to address the quality of hemodialysis operations. The assessment phase involved the examination of infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols, staff training, medical protocols, individualized hemodialysis prescriptions, and laboratory testing capabilities. The second phase involved activities toward capacity building and implementing an action plan based on feasibility and sustainability. Results: The assessment phase revealed that only 7 of 14 centers had IPC protocols, and 8 centers provided IPC training for their staff. Furthermore, only 7 centers had medical protocols, and 5 used individualized hemodialysis prescriptions. Difficulties in testing for potassium was reported in 7 centers and the inability to perform hepatitis B and C serologies was reported in 3 centers. Only 2 centers adhered to machine and water treatment system maintenance guidelines, and 4 conducted daily water quality checks. Recommendations were formulated, and an action plan was developed for implementation in the second phase. The plan encompassed enhancements in IPC practices, medical protocols, record-keeping, laboratory testing, and equipment maintenance. Conclusion: This project underscores that hemodialysis services in conflict-affected areas do not meet the standards for quality care. It emphasizes the necessity of implementing a comprehensive framework that engages relevant stakeholders in defining and upholding quality care, a model that should be extended to other protracted conflict-affected regions.
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spelling doaj-art-6b7c0920249144c5a5d42f0fc0f309962025-08-20T03:20:30ZengElsevierKidney International Reports2468-02492024-03-019358058810.1016/j.ekir.2023.12.006Providing Hemodialysis in Unstable Areas: An Assessment and Framework for Effective CareSami Alasfar0Hani Alashavi1Khaled Hajj Nasan2Abd Aljabbar Haj Mousa3Camila Polinori4Valerie Luyckx5Mohamed Sekkarie6Saleh Kaysi7Lina Murad8Gilbert M. Burnham9Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Correspondence: Sami Alasfar, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, 5779 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, Arizona 85054, USA.The World Health Organization office in Gaziantep, Gaziantep, TürkiyeDepartment of Medicine, Dr. Muhammad Waseem Maaz Hospital, Azaz, Northwest Syria, SyriaIndependent ResearcherDepartment of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USARenal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, SwitzerlandNephrology and Hypertension Associates, Bluefield, West Virginia, USADepartment of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Brugmann University Hospital, Brussels, BelgiumSyrian National Kidney Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Metropolitan Access Center, Colmar Manor, Maryland, USADepartment of International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USAIntroduction: Providing hemodialysis to patients with kidney failure (KF) in conflict-affected areas poses a significant challenge. Achieving and sustaining reasonable quality hemodialysis operations in such regions necessitates a comprehensive approach. Methods: In the conflict area of Northwest (NW) Syria, a 3-phase project was initiated to address the quality of hemodialysis operations. The assessment phase involved the examination of infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols, staff training, medical protocols, individualized hemodialysis prescriptions, and laboratory testing capabilities. The second phase involved activities toward capacity building and implementing an action plan based on feasibility and sustainability. Results: The assessment phase revealed that only 7 of 14 centers had IPC protocols, and 8 centers provided IPC training for their staff. Furthermore, only 7 centers had medical protocols, and 5 used individualized hemodialysis prescriptions. Difficulties in testing for potassium was reported in 7 centers and the inability to perform hepatitis B and C serologies was reported in 3 centers. Only 2 centers adhered to machine and water treatment system maintenance guidelines, and 4 conducted daily water quality checks. Recommendations were formulated, and an action plan was developed for implementation in the second phase. The plan encompassed enhancements in IPC practices, medical protocols, record-keeping, laboratory testing, and equipment maintenance. Conclusion: This project underscores that hemodialysis services in conflict-affected areas do not meet the standards for quality care. It emphasizes the necessity of implementing a comprehensive framework that engages relevant stakeholders in defining and upholding quality care, a model that should be extended to other protracted conflict-affected regions.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468024923016285conflicthemodialysiskidney failurewars
spellingShingle Sami Alasfar
Hani Alashavi
Khaled Hajj Nasan
Abd Aljabbar Haj Mousa
Camila Polinori
Valerie Luyckx
Mohamed Sekkarie
Saleh Kaysi
Lina Murad
Gilbert M. Burnham
Providing Hemodialysis in Unstable Areas: An Assessment and Framework for Effective Care
Kidney International Reports
conflict
hemodialysis
kidney failure
wars
title Providing Hemodialysis in Unstable Areas: An Assessment and Framework for Effective Care
title_full Providing Hemodialysis in Unstable Areas: An Assessment and Framework for Effective Care
title_fullStr Providing Hemodialysis in Unstable Areas: An Assessment and Framework for Effective Care
title_full_unstemmed Providing Hemodialysis in Unstable Areas: An Assessment and Framework for Effective Care
title_short Providing Hemodialysis in Unstable Areas: An Assessment and Framework for Effective Care
title_sort providing hemodialysis in unstable areas an assessment and framework for effective care
topic conflict
hemodialysis
kidney failure
wars
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468024923016285
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