supported by Grifols
The goal of the PI Nurses Network is to educate nurses from across Canada in the care and management of patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases. The network aims to accomplish this goal by providing lectures to nurses caring for immunodeficient patients throughout Canada, by posting standards of nursing practice, by developing materials specific to the care and treatment of patients and providing links to relevant publications.
Background
To acquire knowledge about the education needs of nurses in community hospitals, a pilot Nursing PI Education program was conducted in April 2005 by Brenda Reid, RN, MN (a Clinical Nurse Specialist within the Department of Nursing at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto).
Twenty nurses, all of whom were experienced infusion nurses working in PI outpatient clinics in Ottawa, attended the pilot, which consisted of a needs assessment of learning requirements followed by a lecture and focus group.
The results of the needs assessment showed that while all of the nurses worked with PI patients regularly, 50% of the nurses ranked themselves as having little or no knowledge about PI, drug therapies for PI, dosing of IGIV and outcomes of treatment. Furthermore, only 57% of the nurses responding ranked themselves as knowledgeable about managing side effects of IGIV, despite the respondents being experienced infusion nurses.
Comments received in the evaluation of the pilot program gave insights into the critical importance of increased PI knowledge by nurses in community hospitals. Of the 15 nurses who completed the questionnaire, many expressed that they had a new appreciation for the complexity of PI diseases, that the learning would enhance their practice, and that they appreciated the opportunity to network with other nurses caring for similar patients. The nurses felt that access to Canadian specific online information about PI diseases and management would be helpful. They expressed concern that they lacked time in the practice setting to access accurate information to address patient questions and concerns. They felt that access to Canadian-specific online information about PI diseases and treatment would be very helpful.
PI Nurses Network Committee
- Loris Aro
- Marie-Claude Levasseur
- Carla Miller
- Brenda Reid
For more information or to enquire about joining contact: nursing@immunodeficiency.ca
Patient Events Grant Program:
Organizations
Immune Deficiency Foundation Online Continuing Education Course for Nurses
The Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) is proud to offer this Online Continuing Education Course, developed as an initiative of the IDF Nurse Advisory Committee. This free, accredited course enhances the knowledge of the nurse clinician by providing an update on primary immunodeficiency diseases, immunoglobulin therapies and the nurse’s role with these therapies.
Immune Deficiency Foundation Videos for Nurses
Immunoglobulin National Society
IgNS is a professional organization dedicated to nursing professionals in education, management, practice and research in the field of immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy. IgNS is committed to the IgCN Credentialing, which provides assessment, validation and documentation of the knowledge, skills, and overall clinical competence of nurses managing and administering Ig therapy.
Recognized as the global authority in infusion therapy. In a specialty that is constantly evolving, INS stands alone in providing its members with the most current information, techniques, and solutions. Membership in INS demonstrates an unyielding commitment to lifelong learning and setting the standard for infusion care.
International Nursing Group for Immunodeficiencies (INGID)
The aim is to improve and extend the quality of nursing care of patients with PID, and to increase the awareness and understanding of primary immunodeficiencies amongst nurses.
Other Resources
- TIPS for Nurses: Primary Immunodeficiency (PI) Patients on Gammaglobulin Replacement Treatment
- Canadian Blood Services – www.bloodservices.ca
- Plasma Protein Product Information – www.bloodservices.ca/CentreApps//Internet/UW_V502_MainEngine.nsf/page/E_PlasmaProducts
- Reid, B., Van Allen, D., LaGrange, C. & Boissonneault, N. ( 2006) Protocol Recommendations for administration of intravenous immunoglobulin in Canada.
- Journal of Infusion Nursing, vol. 29 (3)158-164.
Journal of Infusion Nursing, official Publication of the Infusion Nurses Society, is the only journal focusing exclusively on the practice of infusion therapy. Original articles provide the latest information on upgrading and implementing nursing skills and utilizing the latest equipment and techniques. Practical solutions, protocols and problem-solving in areas of med-surg, critical care, oncology nursing and homecare are presented in a readable format to help infusion nurses meet the increasing demands of their profession. This journal benefits all nurses involved in the delivery of infusion therapy. www.journalofinfusionnursing.com - Orange, et al. (2006). Use of Intravenous immunoglobulin in human disease:
A review of evidence by members of the Primary Immunodeficiency Committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Journal of Allergy Clinical Immunology,
117, S525-553.
Notarangelo et al. (2004) Primary immunodeficiency diseases: An update.
Journal of Allergy Clinical Immunology, 114, 677-687.