[Quality control systems implementation in the Spanish Dialysis Units].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate and analyze the implementation of a Quality Management Systems (QMS) and the use of Clinical Performance measures by the Nephrology Services and Hemodialysis Units in Spain.

METHOD

The Quality Management Work Group of the Spanish Society of Nephrology (SEN) realized a survey that was directed to all the Spanish Nephrology Services and Hemodialysis Units. No exclusion criteria were defined for the study. The survey was based on a multichotomous self completing "Ad Hoc" questionnaire.

RESULTS

The survey was answered by 46.7% of the polled centers (44.5% were public hospitals and 55.5% private centers). Of those replying the survey 70 % had a QMS, with a higher implementation in the area of Hemodialysis (HD). The ISO 9001-2000 was the prefer QMS model chosen by 76.4% of the centers. 68.6% of the centers with a QMS were certified by an external Auditing Group. 91.7% of the Nephrology Services and Hemodialysis units were using some clinical practice guideline. A high percentage of the centers had medical protocols and nursing plans (> 90%). A significantly higher implementation of QMS was observed in Private Hospitals and Hemodialysis Units (88.8 %) when compared to public Hospitals (46.1%) (X2: 31.5; p < 0.001). The ISO 9000 Standard certification was selected by 78,3% of the private centers and by 21,7% of the public centers (X2: 37.3; p < 0.001). The certification or accreditation were done by an external auditing group in 68. 1% of the private centers compared to 31.9% for the public Hospitals (X2: 24.8; p < 0.001). Although the rate of answers prevents from extracting definitive conclusions, the result seems to indicate that in the Spanish Nephrology Community a clear trend exists towards the use QMS. This tendency suggests, that in the near future, there will be a progressive implementation and routine use of QMS in the Nephrology Community in Spain.