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AbstractBackgroundThere are 341 000 patients in the United States who are dependent on routine dialysis for survival. Recent large-scale disasters have emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness, including supporting dialysis units, for people with chronic disease. Contingency plans for staffing are important for providing continuity of care for a technically challenging procedure such as dialysis. PReparing Emergency Personnel in Dialysis (PREP-D) is a just-in-time training program designed to train individuals having minimum familiarity with the basic steps of dialysis to support routine dialysis staff during a disaster.MethodsA 5-module educational program was developed through a collaborative, multidisciplinary effort. A pilot study testing the program was performed using 20 nontechnician dialysis facility employees and 20 clinical-year medical students as subjects.ResultsWhen comparing pretest and posttest scores, the entire study population showed a mean improvement of 28.9%, with dialysis facility employees and medical students showing improvements of 21.8% and 36.4%, respectively (P < .05 for all comparisons).ConclusionsPREP-D participants were able to demonstrate improved tests scores when taught in a just-in-time training format. The knowledge gained by using the PREP-D program during a staffing shortage may allow for continuity of care for critical services such as dialysis during a disaster. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:272-277).

~i h a n c i n~ a Multicultural Program Through HyperText LinksThe demographics of the elementary classroom are dramatically shifting in many schools throughout the nation, heightening the expectations of our educational systems to address the needs of students from diverse cultural backgrounds. The perplexing dilemma of the economically poor and the minority populations, whose numbers continue to mount, challenges the schools. In schools where demographic changes remain minimal, there is an increased awareness of the many dtures within our nation and the world. 'Ihis heightened awareness is emerging as school personnel realize that MARTHA IRWIN is Rofessor Emeritus; MARGARETA. MOORE is Associate Professor, Department of Teacher Education; JUDY STEVENSON is Educational Consultant: Eastern Michiean Universitv. Yosilanti. MI 48197. Address corr&pondence to kargaret A. MO& ~eiartment of Teacher Education, 714 N Ray Harrold, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. (Ha& co-indexing a d q nds): "Enharring a Multiculamd Program Tlrcugh HyprrText Li." kwh i R Mqara A. M w e , and Judy Stcvsnsar Copublish4 aimuhanrmsly in Computlr~ in he Schods Cllr Hawmh Reas. h.) VolLiu) The Haororth Press. Lrr.. 1994. pp. 255-280. Multiple copies d thi~ arcicklchspca may bc puchased 6wn The H a w d Dacumcnt Delivuy Ccdcr [I-800.3-HAWORTH; 9m am. -5:00 pm.(Esr)l.

Immunization rates for end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients were well below the 80% target set by Healthy People 2000 and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The authors sought to increase documentation of immunization status, and influenza immunization rates of these patients. A survey was distributed to dialysis facilities to determine immunization practices. Facilities were provided with an immunization toolbox and spreadsheets to document the immunization status of patients. A total of 102 facilities (53%) provided data for three collection periods (1999, 2000, and 2001). Immunization rates for each influenza season increased significantly from 62.1% and 61.4% in 1998-1999 to 80.3% and 80.0% in 2000-2001 (Pennsylvania and Delaware respectively).