INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

During this course the pathophysiology of chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is fully integrated with its clinical management. CKD will be discussed in terms of an integrated health care system. Clinical cases will be followed throughout the course to illustrate the importance of the patient pathway, as renal disease progresses.

As part of the course you will develop a number a skills including the critical review of data, concepts of experimental design, design of educational material, calculation and correct use of glomerular filtration rates and presentation skills.

Course content

This course aims to provide a complete overview of the pathogenesis and evidence-based medical management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The course will concentrate on all aspects chronic kidney disease from diagnosis and referral through to end-stage renal failure. Participants will gain an understanding of the underlying physiology and scientific background of the development and progression of CKD. These aspects will be integrated with the clinical management of people with increasing renal impairment until they reach end-stage renal failure and require renal replacement In addition the ethical issues surrounding the treatment of CKD and the provision of renal replacement therapy will be discussed. Furthermore, community issues and social, psychological and economic implications of CKD for patients will be examined.  Finally, current guidelines for the management of CKD, including the National Service Framework and the Renal Registry will be discussed.

Teaching will be through a combination of formal lectures, small group workshops and tutorials.  A comprehensive course manual will be provided.  Lecturers and tutors will be drawn from the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, the University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire and nationally recognised experts.

Who should attend?

The course is designed for all health care professionals and allied groups. It is suitable for GPs, specialist nurses, dieticians and other health care professionals who wish to improve their understanding of the principles and management of chronic kidney disease. Additionally, hospital doctors with an interest in renal medicine are welcome to attend, but it is unlikely to be suitable for specialist renal registrars.

Course programme to include:

• Introduction to chronic kidney disease (CKD):  Epidemiology and demography. Aetiology and pathophysiology. Clinical presentation.
• Management of progressive renal disease: How to diagnose renal. Prevention of further renal damage. Investigations. Role of primary health care impairment and when to refer to a nephrologist.
• Complications of CKD:  Anaemia. Renal osteodystrophy. Cardiovascular problems.
• CKD in special groups:  Diabetes. Children. Pregnancy. Ethnic groups.
• Dialysis:  Haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Selection of method. Palliative care.
• Transplantation:  Immunology and selection of organ recipients. Selection of organs. Long-term survival rates for graft and recipient. Supply of organs. Situation in other countries.
• The future of CKD care: Increasing demand. Diagnostic screening. Renal registry

Course Aims

• To enable participants to develop a comprehensive understanding of chronic kidney disease.
• To develop skills in the critical analysis and interpretation of complex data.
• To advance the participants understanding of the principles of identification and management of those at risk of chronic kidney disease.
• To promote the intellectual and personal development of the participants within the context of chronic kidney disease.
• To give participants the opportunity to continue their professional development through the study of chronic kidney disease.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course participants should have:

• A comprehensive understanding of chronic kidney disease
• A sound grasp of the management of chronic renal failure including cost benefit analysis and ethical considerations of treatment options
• A systematic understanding of the complications of chronic kidney disease in normal and special groups
• A sound understanding of the principles of renal replacement therapy and the ability to deal with the issue of patient suitability in terms of cost, ability/circumstances and quality of life
• A consideration of the future management of chronic kidney disease in the NHS

Participants will also develop the skills required to undertake:

• Critical interpretation and dissemination of current knowledge
• Critical analysis and interpretation of scientific data
• Retrieve, sift and evaluate information from a variety of sources
• Recognition and implementation of evidence based medicine
• Critical analysis of future chronic kidney disease health care provision

Module Leader

Dr Rosemary Bland

Module Co-ordinator

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See information leaflet

Resources

How to be an organ Donor

The UK donor register