대한신장학회 인공신장실 인증평가 결과 및 개선 방향

Abstract

The number of patients with end-stage renal disease who are on hemodialysis (HD) is increasing annually. Various complications and high mortality rates are observed in these patients. Thus, HD units must administer specialized treatments to such patients. With the intent of ensuring the safe treatment of HD patients, the Korean Society of Nephrology initiated HD unit accreditation to manage the quality of HD units, present standard medical guidelines, and establish a network among local medical institutions. Here, we have summarized the achievements of the accreditation program from 2016 to 2022 and have discussed future directions. After HD unit accreditation was proposed in 2009, 5-year pilot programs were conducted for dialysis specialist training hospitals and HD units in metropolitan areas. Since 2016, HD unit accreditation programs have been conducted annually across the country. Among 845 units that applied for accreditation, 681 units (80.6%) received it. The reasons for non-accreditation were as follows: medical doctors, ethics, nurses, withdrawal of applications, and non-participation in the registration projects. The participating units comprised clinics (56.5%), non-university hospitals (27.2%), and university hospitals (16.3%). Approximately 72.7% of the participants applied for re-accreditation. To improve participation rates for accreditation, it is important that accredited facilities receive economic benefits and publicity. Furthermore, HD unit accreditation must be integrated with assessments of HD adequacy (performed by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service) in the future. Finally, governmental support is essential for the safe treatment of HD patients and for adequate quality control in HD units.