A renal critical care educator: the interface between paediatric intensive care and nephrology.
This paper describes the new role of a renal critical care educator who is based in a regional paediatric renal unit 'outreaching' to three paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) within the region. For the first 18 months the objectives of training PICU staff in all aspects of haemofiltration has progressed in all units using flexible training programs which are under constant evaluation using questionnaires. The renal critical care educator has also worked alongside staff whilst continuous veno-venous haemofiltration (CVVH) is being performed to further instill confidence. Equipment and protocols have been largely standardised throughout the region and an ongoing survey of CVVH use has been initiated which should help to inform audit standards such as complication rates. The renal critical care educator has been the catalyst for the formation of a regional haemofiltration group which has shared in the development of guidelines and protocols and discussion of clinical data. Since CVVH is used infrequently in many PICUs the development of the renal critical care educator post could serve as a model for the development and maintenance of skills in other regions.
Harvey
Ben
B
Children & Young People's Kidney Unit, City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK. b.harvey@ncht.trent.nhs.uk
Watson
Alan R
AR
Jepson
Shelley
S
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D003422:Critical Care; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004739:England; D005181:Faculty, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006440:Hemofiltration / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015278:Intensive Care Units, Pediatric; D009398:Nephrology / Q000193:education*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012041:Regional Medical Programs; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires