Online Transfusion Medicine Course Launched By Improve International
2 years ago 
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With advancements in veterinary transfusion medicine leading to increased demand for the treatment, global veterinary education specialist Improve International has launched a new Transfusion Medicine course in partnership with the Pet Blood Bank UK.
The new course will provide quality training for veterinary nurses and technicians with an interest in this area as well as offering the opportunity to achieve a Nurse Certificate (NCert), Veterinary Technician (VTCert) or Veterinary Paraprofessional Certficate (VPPCert) from the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).
The programme will start on 1 April 2022 online and comprises eight modules covering key transfusion medicine topics of relevance to veterinary nurses. They are delivered over 15 months with one module released every other month. Each module contains six lessons and two reflective studies for delegates to work through at their own pace. During the fourth week of the month, reflective sessions are provided. Additional training in study skills and revision materials are offered during the months between modules.
Helen Rooney BSC (Hons) CVN, Cert Ed, Dip AVN (Medical), Cert ECCVN, RVN, Induction & Training Manager, Pet Blood Bank UK commented: “After 14 years of supporting veterinary practices with transfusion medicine and running our blood bank service, we feel the time is right to pass on what we have learned. We know that transfusions are now being performed in first opinion, as well as referral settings and we are so excited to be part of this formal training and qualification for veterinary nurses.”
She added: “Transfusion medicine is an ideal specialism for nurses as many aspects can be nurse-led, including the recruitment of blood donors and on-site product management, setting up the transfusion and monitoring recipients and developing practice transfusion protocols.
“This unique course is suitable for any nurse wanting to advance their transfusion knowledge and more confidently support their clinicians when the decision to transfuse is made. At Pet Blood Bank, providing education and training to advance transfusion medicine has always been a core part of our mission so we are delighted to support the creation of this course.”
Commenting on the new programme, Operational Head for Improve International in the UK Dr Charlotte French, said: “The emphasis of this programme is on understanding when, why and how transfusions are given and how to collect and administer blood safely to maximise donor and recipient safety.
“The introduction of blood banking and the process and availability of different blood products is also covered, together with content on the conditions blood products can support and an explanation of aetiology, physical examination findings, clinical signs and associated testing.”
As with all of Improve International’s online learning programmes, the modules are available 24/7 and are hosted on a world-leading online learning management platform, which also includes quizzes and a discussion forum. A dedicated Programme Coordinator provides support and assistance to delegates.
Dr French continued: “Overall, the programme will equip veterinary nurses with a good understanding of the aims and risks of transfusions; how to carry out recipient monitoring to detect adverse transfusion reactions and how to manage them. The acquisition of these new skills will enable veterinary nurses to take a proactive and significant role in transfusion cases in their practice and to promote good, evidence-based practice.”
To access a 1 hour recorded taster session of the course with free CPD please contact Improve International via [email protected] and for more information on the Transfusion Medicine course visit the course website page.
Notes to editors:
About Improve International
One of the world’s leading veterinary training companies, Improve International was founded in 1998 by a group of like-minded vets and has since provided continuing education to more than 40,000 veterinary surgeons and nurses across 20 countries, including the UK, Germany, Spain, the USA, Australia and China.
The organisation pioneered modular CPD in the UK for veterinary professionals, combining review lectures, case-based discussion and hands-on practical sessions in their specialist wet-labs. Today, delegates can also choose from online and blended courses, covering a wide range of species and subjects.
Responsible for the delivery of the taught programmes, Improve International works closely with its awarding partner, the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) and with Harper Adams University, which provides the higher education body validation and quality assurance. Improve International was the first organisation to be awarded a contract from Defra in 2014, for the training and assurance of Official Veterinarians in the UK.
For more information and to explore the range of Improve International CPD courses, visit www.improveinternational.com
About ISVPS
The International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) was established in 2003 with the principal objective to provide challenging, but attainable, globally recognised qualifications. The Nurse (NCert), Foundation (FCert), General Practitioner (GPCert) and General Practitioner Advanced (GPAdvCerts) Certificates are designed to meet the needs of busy veterinary practitioners and nurses who wish to gain postgraduate qualifications whilst working in practice. Over 6,700 veterinarians and veterinary nurses around the world are now registered certificate holders.
Alongside an international examining board of over 70 examiners, ISVPS ensures the highest integrity of their postgraduate awards through the academic board, made up of ten highly respected veterinary specialists from different disciplines.
For more information on ISVPS, visit www.isvps.org
For further information:
Rebecca George, George PR
Tel: 01449 737281/07974 161108
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