Fundamentals of Renal Care - Level 6

For module start dates, view the 2023-24 Module Calendar (.docx)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a potentially life-threatening condition, associated with premature mortality, decreased quality of life, and increased healthcare expenditures globally.

CKD may progress towards Established Renal Failure, which warrants renal replacement therapy such as dialysis or transplantation to preserve life. Prevention and early detection is the key to management and to reduce the incidence of the disease.

The module is designed to enable healthcare professionals working across a range of practice settings, including Primary and Secondary care, to further develop their knowledge and skills in renal care. It will provide a greater understanding of the management of the patient with renal care needs and thus enable the delivery of holistic renal care.

Participation is open to any registered healthcare professional who cares for people with renal disease and you are not required to work within a specialised renal setting.

The flexibility associated with online learning means that students can study at their own pace in the comfort of their own home.

Learning outcomes

• demonstrate knowledge of normal renal physiology and the pathophysiological dysfunction associated with renal disease.
• demonstrate an understanding of healthcare interventions that are appropriate for the client at various stages of chronic kidney disease across primary and secondary care settings with an emphasis on prevention, early detection and management of the condition.
• demonstrate an awareness of the psychosocial impact of renal disease and its treatment and the importance of providing holistic care.
• justify the importance of self- management for the renal patient considering theories and concepts of behavioural change.
• demonstrate knowledge of ethico-legal principles that underpins renal care and the importance of providing person centred care.
• reflect on of the role of the healthcare professional within the inter-professional team in providing care in line with current research, national and international guidelines and standards.

Our expert staff

The module is led by Christine Daley-Fennell, a Nurse Lecturer for the School who has over 20 years’ experience working within various clinical and management capacities within the NHS and overseas. She has spent a considerable amount of this time as a Renal Specialist Nurse and Renal Lecturer Practitioner, developing and delivering Renal Nursing courses nationally and internationally.

The course draws on the knowledge and experience of experts from the wider Nephrology community and provide a supportive learning environment for students. 

What our participants say

‘The course was well organised and structured.’

‘The Teaching faculty was very supportive.’

‘Everything about the module was very beneficial for me because it helped enhanced my knowledge of renal nursing.’

‘Through the topics discussed, it helped me to become an effective health practitioner.’

‘It was great hearing from specialist nurses.’

‘All the lectures were good and informative.’

You must:

• hold current registration with a healthcare professional body in your country of practice
• be computer literate and have access to a computer or mobile device with access to the internet
• be motivated to undertake self-directed study.

Module Outline

The module will be taught entirely online via Moodle, the university’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and Zoom. Throughout the module, a reflective approach will be adopted, and you will have the opportunity to appraise your own practice.

With the use of online discussion forums, you will have the opportunity to explore issues relevant to the patient with renal care needs. These forums will also facilitate sharing and collaborative learning between learners with a range of experiences and viewpoints. The course is firmly underpinned by national and international standards to promote the delivery of high quality evidence based care for renal patients.

Topics will include:

• Anatomy and physiology of the renal system.
• Acute Kidney Injury.
• Established Renal Failure.
• Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease.
• Dialysis and Transplantation.
• Complications and supportive renal care.
• Psychosocial renal care and quality of life issues.
• Ethical issues in renal care.
• Self- management in renal impairment.
• Guidelines & Standards supporting renal care.

Assessment strategy

A 3000 word essay - using a reflective approach, you will be required to self-select a case study based on a patient/client that you have cared for from your area of practice and critique the management of the patient/client in line with current research. Through this assignment, you must demonstrate how you have met all the learning outcomes.

Our CPD Funding page has more information on fees for our modules and potential funding sources.

We have guidance on making your application and the forms to download on our how to apply page.