Scottish Renal Nursing Strategy Group
Best Practice Statement: Care of Arterio-Venous Fistula and Graft, August 2007 (PDF, 234K, 34secs)
About this publciation
The purpose of this best practice statement is to guide all haemodialysis nursing and technical staff in the best way to manage and preserve vascular access. Poor vascular access for haemodialysis may contribute to increased risk of infection, unnecessary repeated admissions to hospital and potentially increased mortality.
Background information
Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the prevalence of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for patients who reach established renal failure. The Scottish Renal Registry report of 2006 indicates that the prevalence of new patients starting renal replacement therapy has continued to increase. The annual take-in rate is approximately 600 per year. Co-morbidity has risen considerably requiring increased nursing intervention. There are ten adult renal units in Scotland with nine satellite or annexe units. In addition there is one
paediatric renal unit.
The Scottish Renal Nursing Strategy Group has committed to looking at ways in which the services can be developed. The largest growth area is haemodialysis. The philosophy of this group is to identify nursing priorities for renal services within Scotland to provide clear direction for nurses working within the specialty. The strategy will be developed in collaboration with representatives from all Scottish Renal units and in consultation with relevant national groups.