A DEDICATED INTERVENTIONAL NEPHROLOGY SERVICE LEADS TO BETTER RENAL SERVICE PROVISION

Abstract Background and Aims Interventional Nephrology is a renal procedural sub-speciality that provides procedures the following procedures necessary for the maintenance of dialysis access and renal diagnostics: In most centres regionally and nationally, these procedures are performed by a mix of nephrologists, radiologists and surgeons. In many centres haemodialysis catheter procedures are performed by nephrologists but without fluoroscopic guidance, with only those procedures which fail to be completed being escalated to interventional radiology. Access to real time imaging improves safety and quality of patient experience by reducing the rate of procedural failure and can the rate of serious complications. The Sunderland Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (SDIN) service was launched in 2018. Briefly, this is a ‘one stop shop’ for all of the above procedures with pre-procedural assessment and post-procedural recovery provided in a dedicated renal day-case area. Procedure lists run Monday to Friday, 52 weeks per year, and are provided by four interventional nephrologists. Method Data was collected retrospectively on all activity under the Sunderland Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology service. Results The service has delivered the following benefits: Conclusion A dedicated interventional Nephrology service leads to significant benefits for the providing unit and leads to efficiency savings. Most importantly, patients receive safe and efficient care leading to improved experience and in the long term improved clinical outcomes.