The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60823

Deepti Malhotra, MPH¹, Traci Tunkelrott, MPP¹, Judith Kari², and Michelle Dunkley, RN, MS². (1) The Lewin Group, Inc, 3130 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 800, Falls Church, VA 22042, 703-269-5639, deepti.malhotra@lewin.com, (2) Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Blvd. S2-15-08, Baltimore, MD 21244

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) contracted with The Lewin Group, Inc and RDA Corporation to develop an automated software application to be used on a hand-held device, such as a Tablet PC, that will guide surveyors through the technical and safety aspects of the end stage renal disease dialysis facility survey and certification process. On-site data indicators will guide surveyors in four technical areas, including water treatment, dialyzer reuse, infection control, and machine safety and monitoring. It is anticipated that this additional guidance provided to surveyors will enhance the accuracy and consistency of the dialysis facility survey process. The first phase of this project involved working with four expert panels (one for each of the safety and technical areas) to develop the survey content. Phase two involves developing and pilot-testing the software program.

Learning Objectives:

The session will include a demonstration of the software tool entitled “Surveyor Technical Assistant for Renal Dialysis” (STAR) developed for CMS. At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
• Articulate a procedure for revising and developing survey guidelines.
• Describe how technology can be used to improve the quality and consistency of data collection in the field.

Keywords: Quality of Care, Technology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.