Peter Traub Email and Phone Number

Provided a national presence for the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) program related to emergency and disaster response. Responsibilities included convening and coordinating national stakeholders in an organized approach related to emergency/disaster management and response. Facilitated emergency response improvement planning based on opportunities for process improvement, including identification of best practices identified during the emergency/disaster response. Developed the National KCER Patient and Family Engagement (N-KPFE) Learning and Action Network (LAN) that laid the foundation for the integration of the patient voice in emergency/disaster preparedness and management. Developed, implemented, maintained, and/or enhanced effective communication strategies that allowed for ease of use by dialysis facilities, and patients. Provided educational opportunities for ESRD Networks, dialysis facilities, and patients based on an assessment of needs, and in a format and venue that is user-friendly and appropriate to the ESRD audience. Convened six work-groups (Communication, Clinical Practice, Facility Operation, Pandemic and Infectious Disease, Physician Expert, Training and Exercise) to develop tools and resources to support the work of the ESRD Networks, dialysis facilities, and patients relative to emergency/disaster preparedness and management. Promoted and disseminated tools and resources to individuals with ESRD, dialysis facilities, ESRD Networks, and federal, state, and local emergency workers. Planned and implemented emergency preparedness functional exercises as directed by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Responsible for the development, implementation, evaluation, and coordination of all clinically focused quality improvement (QI) activities. Assisted facilities in resolving deficiencies that impacted provider compliance to regulatory and accreditation standards. Maintained relations within the renal, surgical, and interventional clinical communities as well as being the QI/Clinical liaison to entities such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), quality improvement organizations (QIOs), State Survey Agencies, and other associated organizations. Maintained a strong networking background with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) providers and engaged reticent groups to work together. Worked to encourage groups to come to a consensus despite competition between care providers. Coordinated measure-driven activities developed by the Medical Review Board (MRB) with the patient perspective and education pieces recommended by the patient advocacy committee. Communicated with Medicare beneficiaries, physicians, administrators, attorneys, and other professional staff on case review processes and findings as appropriate, and educated providers and beneficiaries on Medicare requirements as they relate to ESRD Network oversight activities.

Fostered Patient and Family Engagement at the Facility Level and involved Patient Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in Quality Improvement Activities. Delivered targeted technical assistance in the area of vascular access for lower-performing providers. Promoted early vascular-access teaching to patients with catheters during their orientation to the dialysis unit. Provided support for a Healthcare-Associated Infections Learning and Action Network (HAI LAN) in order to reduce Bloodstream Infections and increase vaccination rates through quality improvement activities. Assisted dialysis facilities in reporting infection data in the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) database. Implemented interventions that permitted patients to be more engaged in their care with regard to infection control and prevention of infections. Increased transplant referral rates for targeted disparate groups. Responded to questions from patients and caregivers regarding the ESRD Quality Incentive Program (QIP). Implemented Quality Improvement Activities by performing a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and supporting a Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) plan with targeted facilities. Planned and facilitated meetings which offered continuing education units (CEUs) for dialysis professionals. Maintained the ESRD Network 17 website. Developed and maintained the ESRD Network 17 Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). Coordinated emergency response activities with dialysis facilities. Developed educational materials for the ESRD community. Assisted with patient grievances and facility concerns.