Geraldine B. Dunne, Australia

Sydney Children's hospital Immunology and Infectious disease
Geraldine has a strong background in Paediatric Nursing in both Australia and the UK, completed her paediatric training at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and holds a degree in Child Health as well as a post graduate diploma in Child Development. She has worked at both major Paediatric hospitals in Sydney. Sydney Children’s Hospital is a tertiary referral centre and is part of the Sydney Children’s Hospital network. Geraldine manages, supports, educates and assists children and their families living with PID which includes preparing and supporting children who require transplant (HSCT) for severe PID. Her role has been pivotal in establishing and then expanding the SCIg program the department offers. Geraldine is an active member of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) and participates within its working groups and sub committees on the topic of paediatric Immunology nursing. Geraldine is also a member of advisory groups and working groups within the NBA (National Blood Authority) relating to Immunoglobulin products. Geraldine was invited to be the sole nurse representative within the IDFA (Immune deficiencies Foundation Australia) 2 years ago and enjoys the responsibilities and opportunities that the role offers. Since being a board member of INGID, Geraldine aims to provide input from the Southern hemisphere and specifically Australian in terms of experience within that geographical and health system context.

Presenter of 1 Presentation

 Conference Calendar
E-Poster Discussion INGID

DEVELOPMENT OF SCIG RESOURCES FOR CONSUMERS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Lecture Time
13:20 - 13:30
Presenter
Room
Station 3
Date
20.09.2019, Friday
Session Time
13:15 - 14:15
Board Number
212
Presentation Topic
INGID

Abstract

Background and Aims

Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT) is used to treat adults and children with immunodeficiencies. IRT is administered using intravenous (IVIg) or subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg). SCIg was not widely available in Australasia until 2013.

A need was identified for consistent, accurate and readily available SCIg education, plans and checklists. The aim is to provide sufficient patient and carer education, training and follow up, which is essential to ensure effective and safe home based SCIg therapy.

Methods

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) has developed SCIg resources since 2014, including ASCIA primary immunodeficiency (PID) e-training for health professionals.

An ASCIA working party was formed www.allergy.org.au/members/committees#wpai and members participated in two workshops (2017, 2018). Surveys of nurse specialists working with PID patients were conducted prior to the workshops to ascertain what resources should be developed or updated. Clinical consensus and published information have also guided resource development and updating.

Results

Several new resources have been developed, including a guide for health professionals on setting up a SCIg service in a hospital, plans and patient education.

These are available on the ASCIA website www.immunodeficiencies.org.au

Conclusions

Sufficient patient education and training at the initiation of SCIg therapy, and follow up care is essential to ensure patient safety and effective delivery of home based SCIg therapy. ASCIA SCIg resources assist nurse specialists, clinical immunologists and other health professionals in educating and training patients. These resources provide consistent, accurate and readily available information, training, plans and checklists, that are regularly reviewed and updated.

Hide

Moderator of 1 Session

 Conference Calendar
INGID

TROUBLE SHOOTING IN IMMUNOGLOBULIN TREATMENT

Chair(s)
Room
Silver
Date
18.09.2019, Wednesday
Session Time
14:00 - 15:30