Allergy: Diploma Level Module

Allergy: Diploma Level Module

CATS Points: 30
Academic Level 2 (Diploma)
Notional Study Time: 150 hours
Duration: 6 months

Why is Allergy important?

• The number of patients suffering from serious allergies has soared by 25% in just 4 years
• Eczema and asthma are the most common complaints although the largest recorded increase is in peanut allergies – which in rare cases can prove fatal
• In 2001, nearly 1 in 5 GP patients had at least 1 allergic disease. But by 2005, that figure had increased to nearly 1 in 4
• In the UK there are just 29 fully trained NHS allergy consultants.

What does this module offer?

This course is for nurses who care for patients with allergy in general practice or in the community

Allergy is now considered to be the 'number one environmental disease' affecting 1 in 3 people in the UK. It can affect several organ systems including the skin, lungs, nose and gut and can result in anaphylaxis which is occasionally fatal. This online diploma level module will teach you how to recognise allergy in each organ system and design management strategies that will improve patients’ lives significantly.

This module covers the following areas:

· Allergy and allergens

· Simple allergy mechanisms

· Recognition of allergic signs and symptoms

· Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis

· Rhinitis and Asthma

· Eczema

· Approaches to management

By the end of the module you will be able to:

• Understand the significance of the prevalence and morbidity associated with allergic diseases
• Discuss signs and symptoms of common allergic diseases in different organ systems
• Examine the link between common allergic diseases and apply theory to clinical practice

• Explain allergen avoidance and how this relates to practical advice for patients
• Select and justify appropriate treatment options

This module will take 6 months to complete and is delivered through interactive online learning.