Related Experiment Videos
A nephrology based mobile extracorporeal therapy service.
Richard Sweet1, Patricia Jost Golden
1Lakeland Acute Services, 4820 Lodge Lane, Excelsior, Minneapolis, MN 55331, USA.
Summary
Establishing a successful therapeutic apheresis (TA) program requires skilled nurses and physicians, and continuous quality improvement. Training nurses as Hemapheresis Practitioners (HP) is key for metropolitan-wide TA services.
Area of Science:
- Medical Services
- Hematology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Therapeutic apheresis (TA) is a critical medical service in metropolitan areas.
- This paper outlines the foundational aspects, evolution, and sustainment of a TA program.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the essential components for establishing and maintaining a successful therapeutic apheresis program.
- To emphasize the importance of specialized nursing training within TA services.
Main Methods:
- Review of the development and operational guidelines for a metropolitan-wide TA program.
- Focus on the necessary expertise of nursing and physician staff.
Main Results:
- A successful TA program is characterized by rapid response times, expert staff, and continuous quality initiatives.
- Training nurses to become Hemapheresis Practitioners (HP) is crucial for program success.
Conclusions:
- A metropolitan-wide TA program was successfully launched and sustained by integrating physician and nursing expertise following established guidelines.
- The guidelines provided are effective for initiating and maintaining TA programs.