INVASIVE FUNGAL INFECTIONS (15 CREDITS AT LEVEL 3)
COURSE INFORMATION
This education unit aims to enable participants to:
develop a deeper understanding of the serious nature of invasive fungal infections;
reflect on how they can contribute to the prevention, recognition and effective management of these infections in adults.
The unit has been developed for registered nurses whose work involves caring for people at risk of invasive fungal infections
e.g. critically ill patients in intensive therapy units (ITUs), patients in transplant units, including both solid organ and bone
marrow transplant (BMT), patients with a haematological malignancy, those with advanced HIV infection.
The education unit has two main components:
self-directed distance learning in two parts - A and B. Content of Part A is introduction to mycology; overview of superficial,
subcutaneous and invasive infections; epidemiological trends; four specific fungal infections (aspergillosis, candidosis, cryptococcosis
and Fusarium infection); antifungal drugs; role of nurses in preventing/minimising risk of invasive fungal infections. Part B involves
consideration of three case studies which are designed to help you develop your ability to recognise and prevent invasive fungal infections. Parts A and B are available on the Masterclass plus website.
The Part B case studies are available on a free CDROM.
About 15 hours of study are required to complete Parts A and B.
tutor-led online learning activities and formal assessment at the end. Content is further more detailed study of invasive fungal infections; diagnosis; antifungal drug treatment, including the problem of resistance; environmental risk assessment; role of nurses in the effective management of patients with invasive fungal infections, with emphasis on critical examination of how participants can improve care locally.
The assessment comprises a practice-based written assignment, 2500 words in length. About 75 hours of study are required to complete the online learning activities and formal assessment at the end.
You can choose to work through Parts A and B of the distance learning only, and use the study for your continuing professional development. You can also opt to complete all three stages, in which case the study hours you accumulate will far exceed the minimum PREP (CPD) requirement of 35 hours in three years.
Successful completion of the whole education unit means you will be awarded 15 credits at level 3. The credits gained for successful completion of credit rated Masterclass plus units are higher education credits that can be used towards a diploma or degree.
