Summary
This course is designed to introduce you to the concepts underlying the care of patients with liver dysfunction
It is important to note that while the content will focus on primary hepatic organ failure, liver dysfunction can manifest in any patient as part of their care pathway
For nurses looking at this resource, it has been constructed in line with the CC3N National competencies for liver critical care nurses (2019), and may be used as a learning guide to assist in their completion.
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The key aims of the course are:
- Describe the importance of the liver as an organ, & the consequences associated with dysfunction
- Evaluate the relevant evidence base for patient management strategies, with consideration of the complexities introduced by individual patient factors
- Following completion, attendees will be able to apply to above learning within their own clinical practice moving forwards
Introduction
An overview of the current landscape of liver disease both nationally & globally.
Socioeconomic challenges influencing the care of patients with liver disease, including healthcare stigma & the effect on health outcomes
Anatomy & Physiology
- Review of the key organs within the hepatobiliary system
- Review of the key functions
- The key markers of both function & dysfunction
- Strategies in both comprehensive clinical & biochemical assessment
Complications
- A review of common complications seen in liver disorders, their pathophysiology, & management approaches considering the latest evidence base
- Includes jaundice, portal hypertension, ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy etc
- Also covers aspects including nutritional support
Specific Conditions
- A review of several common causes of liver disease, with coverage of their development, pathophysiology, evidence-based management, & the patient experience of these conditions
- Includes alcohol related liver disease, cholestatic liver diseases, Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), viral hepatitis etc
- Days provided for both Adult & Paediatric areas of focus
Transplantation
- Coverage of acute liver failure
- Familiarisation & management of immunosuppressant drugs
- An overview of the key issues in liver transplantation today
Total 150 (40 hours in classroom; 110 hours guided independent study)
5 Classroom sessions
Your face-to-face training will start within one of the following date ranges;
Cohort | Date range | No. Face to Face sessions |
Cohort 1 | Sep – Dec | 6 |
Cohort 2 | Jan – Mar | 6 |
Cohort 3 | Apr – Jun | 6 |
Cohort 4 | Jul – Aug | 6 |
Please Note:
In the case that your preferred cohort date is not available you will be offered the next available cohort.
Please be mindful cohort date ranges could be subject to change so please mindful these date ranges could change slightly.
Course Leads:
Adam Riedlinger – Senior Practice Development Nurse
Jel Navarro – Clinical Coordinator