Preparation of hemodialysis centers in fighting against the novel coronavirus disease during the 2019-2020 epidemic: the experience in Sichuan province, China.

Abstract

Dialysis patients are at high risk of being infected by the novel coronavirus. This article aimed to share our experience in preparing hemodialysis centers in fighting against the COVID-19 in Sichuan province. To control COVID-19, the Sichuan Renal Disease Quality Control Center (SRDQCC) organized a multidisciplinary team to draft and distribute documents for dialysis centers. The SRDQCC also established an online education system and a registry. A survey was used to assess the resources and the preparation of the dialysis centers. Patients with infected COVID-19 were transferred to the referral hospitals and treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in isolated rooms. All 21 regions in Sichuan province had designated specific referral hospitals for COVID-19. The documents drafted by the SRDQCC were distributed to all dialysis centers. A total of 313 records from the survey showed that 96% (301/313) of the dialysis centers had set up an emergency program based on the relevant documents. Only 39% (121/313) of the centers had emergency isolated room(s) for COVID-19. Also, 22% (68/313) of the centers had their patient(s) moved to other centers. The online system educated medical staff in 87% (271/313) of the centers. The online registry received 329 records. Four cases of COVID-19-infected dialysis patients were reported until March 3rd, 2020. There were no outbreaks of COVID-19 in any dialysis center in Sichuan province. The experience of dialysis centers in Sichuan province in fighting against COVID-19 is worth sharing. Dialysis centers need to be prepared to cope with infectious epidemics guided by national as well as regional quality control centers or other similar organizations.