May | 2020 View as Webpage

Community Resources

Qsource ESRD Networks remain dedicated to dialysis facilities and patients during the COVD-19 pandemic. We are here to provide support in maintaining quality of care for ESRD patients and to provide resources from credible sources to assist you with management of COVID-19.

Challenges in Kidney Transplant in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Patients and Referring Provider

The latest webinar recording from ASN is available here . Transplant nephrologists discuss the impact of COVID-19 on kidney transplant programs, patients awaiting transplant, and post-transplant care. View the webinar .

Stress and Coping The outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Learn more about managing stress from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) . Disaster Distress Helpline Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-days-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.  Learn More

5 Diamond Safety Program has Added a COVID-19 Module A COVID-19 module has been added to the 5 Diamond Patient Safety Program website and is available for any dialysis provider to access. The module was developed in partnership with ASN. Objectives for the module include: Discuss COVID-19, including what it is and how it spreads. Identify symptoms of COVID-19. Describe the important steps a facility must take in assessment and triage of its patients. Explain “source control.” Understand actions a facility should take to prepare for COVID-19 within its patient population.

Facilities can access this module and earn a Diamond by: 1) Selecting the COVID-19 Module on the 5 Diamond Homepage 2) Login or register 3) Download materials for facility staff 4) Complete module activities a. Pretest b. Review PowerPoint c. Post-test 5) Submit reporting form 6) Print 5 Diamond certificate

Patient Resources

Webinar Recording: Lessons From New York Dialysis Patient Citizen Webinar Recording: The COVID-19 Explosion – Lessons from New York – What Kidney Patients Should Know During this collaborative webinar from DPC and ASN you will learn the latest on: What kidney patients need to do (dialysis & transplant) What dialysis facilities are doing What we can learn from New York’s COVID-19 experience Webinar Recording Upcoming Webinar: Living Well During COVID-19 Dialysis Patient Citizen is hosting a patient webinar titled Living Well During COVID-19: How to Cope and Manage your Emotions. Please share with your staff and patients and help them register. Date: Thursday, May 28 Time: 11:30 a.m. CDT Register Now

ESRD Network Resources

With feedback from our Patient Advisory Councils on the need for mental health and stress management resources, Qsource ESRD Networks have added the following resources to our library.

Laughter Therapy   Laughter is the biological reaction of humans to moments, or occasions of humor. It is an outward expression of amusement. It is also said that laughter is the best medicine. Check out this article on connecting laughter , humor, and good health and video of one dialysis provider’s work in laughter therapy.

Chair Yoga Movement helps! Some dialysis patients may have limited ability to exercise. These simple movements can be done in a chair. Exercise can help with stress and anxiety which many people are facing during this time of isolation and uncertainty.

COVID-19 Support Program for Patients and their Families  The Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF) has developed a support program for patients and their families to gather updated information, community support and other resources.

Peer Connection Calls Help your patients ease the feeling of isolation by inviting them to join a Peer Connection call with the Network. This will require minimal burden from clinic staff and will allow patients to speak to a group of their peers.   NW 10 (IL) Facility Peer Representative Connection Call Schedule  NW 12 (IA, KS, MO, NE) Network Patient Representative Connection Call Schedule

Provider Resources

Telehealth for ESRD Providers What has changed to make telehealth more available for use during the COVID-19 Outbreak? This resource provides answers to some of the questions that providers have had regarding how to use telehealth in the dialysis setting. Finding Joy During COVID-19 How do daily headlines of COVID-19 affect our mental health? How can we find moments of joy in the midst of stressful times? Clinical Psychologist Steve Wilson shares ways to add positives to your life every day as well as suggestions on how to take breaks from the stress of our current times.

Open Discussions for Professional Providers Coalition for Supportive Care of Kidney Patients is hosting open discussions for professional providers of supportive care for kidney patients. Join members of the Coalition's Executive Committee to connect with colleagues or ask specific questions. Attendance is free. Dates: Every Wednesday Time: 1:30-2:00 PM Central Sign Up Nephrology Nursing COVID-19 Surge Support The American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) has heard from kidney organizations and healthcare providers across the United States about the dire need for nephrology nurses, advanced practice nurses, and patient care technicians to provide care to patients with kidney failure (including dialysis) in COVID-19 hot spots. ANNA has developed a tool to identify areas in need and allow providers to look for opportunities to assist.

Helping Homebound Children During the COVID-19 Outbreak We know that many dialysis staff and patients may have children at home due to school closings. This can add an additional layer of stress to an already complicated situation. This resource provides information on how to support the family structure and how to communicate openly.

CMS Press Releases Looking for a specific press release or information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid? For a complete and updated list of CMS actions, and other information specific to CMS, please visit the  Current Emergencies Website .

Qsource ESRD Networks COVID-19 Information Qsource ESRD Networks Qsource ESRD Networks are actively monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and impact for the kidney community and have put in place necessary measures to protect our workplaces, our staff and their families. At the same time, we continue to serve and support patients, healthcare partners and stakeholders, as we work together through the coronavirus pandemic to ensure the very best outcomes possible for our communities. This webpage shares important news, information and updates directly from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and from state and local health authorities. As new information becomes available, we will post it here .

This newsletter was prepared and distributed by Qsource ESRD Network 10 under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (contract number HHSM-500-2016-00010C and HHSM-500-2016-00012C). The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy. 20.Q-ESRD.05.061

ESRD Network 10: 317-257-8265 | Patient Line: 800-456-6919 | Website

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ESRD Network 12: 816-880-9990 | Patient Line: 800-444-9965 | Website

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