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Goal: To provide an overview of a quality assessment and performance improvement program regarding central venous catheter infection control in pediatric patients on hemodialysis.

Objectives:

Explain the complications that can increase patient morbidity and mortality, and shorten catheter survival, in patients on hemodialysis.
Describe the quality assessment and performance improvement program as presented by these authors to attempt to reduce bloodstream infections through the use of Tego® connectors.

Acknowledgment: The authors would like to acknowledge the nurses in the dialysis unit for their work on this project: Gerry Cullins, BSN, RN; DeAnne Dey, BSN, RN; Karen Dunn, BSN, RN; Fe Follosco, BSN, RN; Cathy Hansen, RN; Caitlin MacLaughlin, BSN, RN; Jolyne Selvidge, RN; and Cathy Watt, RN, CNN.

Statement of Disclosure: The authors reported no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this continuing nursing education article.

Joseph T. Flynn

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