Liver disease and transplantation course for nurses
The liver module at the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery, King’s College London, is one of very few courses on liver disease and transplantation specifically aimed at nurses.
The course, which involves six study days over a 12 week period, focuses on liver anatomy and physiology, investigations, biochemistry, specific diseases of the liver, complications, management and transplantation. A variety of teaching methods are employed, including classroom teaching, case studies, scenarios, group discussion and electronic learning programmes. Current evidence and research underpins all aspects of the course in order to promote evidence based practice. The role of the nurse in the care of patients with liver disease is the main focus, thus aiming to both develop expertise and promote the highest standards of patient care, both in the liver specialist wards and general ward environments.
Liver disease is the fifth leading cause of mortality in the UK with mortality rates doubling over the last 20 years (British Liver Trust 2010). Deaths attributable to alcohol have risen by 24% since 2001(NHS Information, 2008). This increase in liver disease has meant more inpatient admissions of liver related problems to specialist centres and has often meant that patients with liver complications are being cared for in general ward settings.
In order to meet the increasing demand for education this liver module will not only run as normal in term 1 but also as a condensed course in term 3. Covering all of the aspects above, the condensed course will run over two weeks with three study days per week. In doing so, the aim is to meet the increasing educational needs of nurses from liver units and general settings in the UK and abroad.
The course is led by Danielle Fullwood who is a Lecturer Practitioner working between King’s College Hospital (KCH) and the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kings College London. She has over six years of clinical experience working in Liver Intensive Care at KCH, a world renowned liver transplant centre; alongside four years of practice development and education in the speciality of liver disease. Lectures are given by Danielle and select specialist nurses working in the field of liver disease in order to give an extensive view of this speciality subject.
If you wish to find out more about the course or would like to apply please contact course leader Danielle Fullwood on 020 7848 3687 or email: danielle.r.fullwood@kcl.ac.uk