Fig. 1

Distribution of the responses to the knowledge items. K1. The preferred choice for long-term vascular access should be autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF). K2. When autogenous AVF cannot be established, the next choice should be arteriovenous graft (AVG), and tunnelled cuffed catheter (TCC) with a cuff and polyester sleeve should be the last resort. K3. Vascular access should follow the principle of “fistula first” to reduce unnecessary central venous catheter (CVC) use. K4. For the location selection of arteriovenous fistula, the principle is upper limb before lower limb; distal end before proximal end; non-dominant side before dominant side. K5. Monitoring of access blood flow includes duplex ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography, and pulsed Doppler ultrasound with variable speed flow. K6. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard for diagnosing vascular stenosis in autogenous AVF. K7. Intervention is needed when the local stenosis rate exceeds 50% of the nearby normal vessel diameter and is accompanied by the following conditions: natural blood flow of the fistula is < 500 ml/min; cannot meet the required blood flow for dialysis prescription; increased dialysis venous pressure; difficult puncture; decreased adequacy of dialysis; and abnormal signs of the fistula. K8. Assess cardiac function through symptoms, signs, and echocardiography. Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 30% are not recommended for fistula formation surgery. K9. Are you aware of recent research or guidelines regarding vascular access in nephrology? K10. Before fistula surgery, it is necessary to assess the anatomical structure, vascular continuity, and dilatation of the vessels.