RSA eNews - CommuniquePlus March 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination for Kidney Care Workers 

ANZSN have made a presentation on "COVID-19 Vaccination for Kidney Care Workers" by Dr Peter Boan (Infectious Diseases Specialist and Microbiologist) available to all RSA members.

Presentation here...

COVID-19 Vaccination Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Australia

The COVID working group of ANZSN has developed a FAQ document for Australian patients with Kidney Disease, having dialysis or with kidney transplants.

FAQ here...

2021 RSA Awards Honouring Excellence | Shining a light on RSA members.  

Is there a fellow RSA member that you think should be recognised for their tireless contribution to advance the care of people with kidney disease?

If your answer is yes, then nominate them for one - or more - of the RSA award categories:  

• RSA Award - This prestigious award is given to an RSA member who exemplifies the values and mission of the RSA and having made an outstanding contribution and commitment to the RSA and renal community.
   
• Branch Awards - To acknowledge the significant contribution of an RSA member at the local / regional level.
   
• Clinical Excellence Award – A clinician or health practitioner who advocates for the patient in all aspects of care, with recognition for their mastery of critical thinking, interpersonal skills, professionalism, and humanism.
   
• Education Excellence Award - An individual educator who performs to a high standard in educating others and upholding the virtue of quality care for people with kidney disease.
   
• Practice Advancement Award – An RSA member's innovative solutions, practices, or initiatives through contributing to or leading research, study, or project. 

Nominating a colleague has never been easier! Complete the online nomination form for the relevant award category.

Nominations close at 5.00pm AEST on Monday, 19 April 2021.

Further information...

2021 RSA Annual Conference - Proceeding to Plan!

This year's Conference will be delivered in a hybrid event format, offering an in-person conference experience and a virtual connection.

What does this mean for delegates?

More choice and flexibility. For those of you who would prefer in-person networking and learning, exploring the exhibition space, catching up with colleagues, the opportunity to chat to presenters and the conference vibe, you can still attend in-person. 

For those of you who are unable to travel, or prefer to learn from the comfort of your home, you can still virtually attend sessions and connect with your peers. 

Register HERE...

Program Overview HERE...

Conference Funding - NOW OPEN

Funding applications for the 2021 RSA Conference are now open, and will close on Friday, 26 March 2021.  

Conference Funding INFORMATION...

We look forward to your participation in the RSA's flagship event for 2021.

RSA Calendar of Events - March/April 2021

Webinar: Ultrasound Guided Cannulation of Arteriovenous Access and Haemodialysis Catheter Care

Date:  Wednesday, 24 March 2021
Duration:  7.00pm - 8.30pm AEDT  

Presenters:  Amy Swinbank & Sally Turner

Learning Objectives:

• Gain knowledge of ultrasound use to assess vascular access for suitable cannulation sites or concerns prior to cannulation.
• Utilise ultrasound to guide cannulation of dialysis vascular access in real time.
• Interpret ultrasound images to identify potential complications from cannulation, mis cannulation or needle dislodgement.
• Case presentation Q & A

Registation Fee:
RSA Members - FREE of Charge 
Non-Members - AU$27.50

Not a RSA member?  Not a problem.  Join now!

CPD:  1.5 hours

RSA wish to thank our corporate sponsor for their generosity in supporting this event:

Webinar: Shared Decision Making

Date:  Thursday, 25 March 2021
Duration:  7.00pm - 8.15pm AEDT / 9.00pm - 10.15pm NZST

Presenter:  Dr Leanne Brown

Learning Objective:

The presentation will provide a background regarding the importance of shared decision making in health care with particular focus on support complex decision regarding treatment options for the individual with advanced kidney disease. The presenter will then give an overview of the theories around shared decision making and current and emerging research within the area of shared decision making and decision coaching.

A discussion will also occur to critique the barriers and facilitators of shared decision making and the decision aids currently being used worldwide.

Registation Fee:
RSA Members - FREE of Charge 
Non-Members - AU$15.00 (Inc GST)

Not a RSA member?  Not a problem.  Join now!

CPD:  1 hour

RSA wish to thank our corporate sponsor for their generosity in supporting this event:

Webinar: Anaemia Management in Chronic Kidney Disease and Live Q &A

Date:  Wednesday, 14 April 2021
Duration:  5.00pm - 8.00pm AEST

Presenter:  Dr Leanne Brown

Comprised of two modules, this evening webinar will cover:

• Fundamentals of Renal Anaemia; Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Manifestations
• Clinical Practice Guidelines, Treatment Strategies and Patient Benefits
• Live Q & A at the completion of Modules 1 & 2

Registation Fee:
RSA Members - FREE of Charge 
Non-Members - AU$15.00 (Inc GST)

Not a RSA member?  Not a problem.  Join now!

CPD:  3 hours

RSA wish to thank our corporate sponsor for their generosity in supporting this event:

Webinar: ADPKD / PKD Webinar

Date:  Thursday, 29 April 2021
Duration:  6.30pm - 8.00pm AEST/ 8.30pm - 10.00pm NZST

Host:  Robert Gardos - Board Chair, PKD Australia
Presenters:  Professor Andrew Mallett  & Janice Creenaune

Program Outline:

ADPKD in 2021 – how we got here, what we have done, and what is on the horizon. This webinar is proudly sponsored by Otsuka Australia Pharmaceutical and PKD Australia

Registation Fee:
RSA Members - FREE of Charge 
Non-Members - AU$15.00 (Inc GST)

Not a RSA member?  Not a problem.  Join now!

CPD:  1 hour

RSA wish to thank our corporate sponsor for their generosity in supporting this event:

RSA Calendar of Events - Available here

Get behind your local RSA Branch!

In 2020, with a backdrop of personal and professional challenges, each RSA Branch Committee stepped up to host their virtual Branch Symposia to support the renal education of RSA members across Australia and New Zealand.

Building on the recent successes of Branch Committees and to support efforts for 2021, an invitation is extended to RSA members to get involved in their local Branch by participating on the Committee.

The role of each Branch Committee is to:

• Support and contribute to the vision and objectives of the RSA.
• Organise education and networking events for local members.
• Promote membership and engagement with the RSA.

In return for your efforts, you will benefit by:

• Developing new relationships through networking both locally and nationally.
• Improving your organisational skills, particularly in relation to events, which will assist you in your workplace.
• Growing your awareness of current practices.
• Gaining a greater knowledge of the RSA..

We encourage you to submit a nomination for Branch Committee and contribute to the future of the RSA's vision of advancing the care of people with renal disease.  

More information...

Face-to-face Educational Events - Back in Action in WA!

The RSA WA Branch leads the way in face-to-face education for 2021.

The “Hypertension in Renal Patients” educational evening was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed!   Sincere thanks to guest presenter Associate Professor Mark Thomas.

Well done Jeff McMullen, the WA Branch Committee and Jodi Williams.   Special thanks to Shirm Moodley and the team at AstraZeneca for supporting this important educational opportunity.

PKD Research Funding - Opportunities Available

PKD Australia are pleased to invite applications for the following research grants:

2 x grants, each up to the value of $30,000 (over 12 months).

These grants will support leading Australian research that aims to provide a deeper understanding of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and/or improves the outlook and quality of life for PKD patients to assist in the PKD Australia mission to find a cure for PKD and to help the community they support.

Applications close midnight Friday, 26 March 2021.

Guidelines...

Application Form...

Kidney Health Month - NZ Style!

Kidney Health New Zealand has kicked off Kidney Health Month successfully with the MP screening in Wellington on the steps of parliament and TV coverage for the Canterbury Cricket Club screening. 

The Canterbury Cricket Club screening was part of the awareness program: “While I still can” – E-Scooter Challenge 2021.  The TV coverage is available here.

Kidney Health New Zealand would like to thank all companies/DHB’s and support groups that supported World Kidney Day this year. It is thanks to their input that this day was so very successful!

More activities are planned for this month. 

Experiences and stories are being published weekly with John Kearns story published last week.

COVID-19 is still high on the agenda - vaccinations started to role out recently. Kidney Health New Zealand will be loading patient information on their website shortly.  Please keep an eye on this website.

Kidney Health Week is here!

Kidney Health Week awareness has got off to a great start with members of the kidney community sharing both the heart-wrenching realities of kidney disease, and the selfless acts of love that can so define this disease.

Kidney Health Australia launched its #nofilter tribute to Shane campaign yesterday which features Shane’s wife Jodie and their five daughters, who have courageously continuing Shane’s wish to raise more awareness around the need for early detection of kidney disease. You can view the campaign video here. 

On a heart-warming note, Channel 7’s Sunrise program helped launch Kidney Health Week with a lovely story of Sarah and Josh. Sarah donated her kidney to brother Josh who had spent years seriously ill with kidney disease and other complications as a result of contracting lupus in his 20s. You can watch the segment and find out more about the tremendous bond they both share and how they are both passionate about helping to raise awareness of kidney disease.

Our community has been active on social media sharing our messages around early detection and we are encouraging as many people as possible to their own stories of life with #nofilter so others can understand the reality of life with kidney disease and be encouraged to seek a kidney health check. 

Here’s how you can support Kidney Health Week:

• Display posters and flyers in high traffic areas
• During Kidney Health Week, take photos of your display to share on social media using the hashtags #lifewithnofilter #kidneydisease #earlydetection
• Retweet and share our posts to promote our online information and events
• Encourage your friends, family and colleagues to learn if they are at risk by taking the online Kidney Risk Test at kidney.org.au/kidneyrisktest

Plus, on World Kidney Day we released our evidence report Make the Link: Diabetes, Kidneys and Heart. This report details on the current evidence concerning the impact of CKD, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and their comorbidities. 

Please take a moment....   CommuniquePlus readers are asked to take a moment to review the message below from one of our sponsors.  The RSA could not provide the educational opportunities we do without the support of our sponsors.  This is our opportunity to support them.  Thank you!

WCEA 24-7 Online Learning Platform

Latest uploads include:

• RSA Webinar – Patient Activation – Is this a new Approach to Increasing Self-Management?  Presenters – Assoc Prof Paul Bennett & Edward Zimbudzi
• Transplant Australia Webinar - COVID Vaccinations for Transplant Recipients. Presenters - Dr Toby Coates (TSANZ President), Libby John (TNA President), Professor Steve Chadban & Dr Peter Boan
• Journal Club (March) – COVID-19: a nursing overview from the front line.  The experience of dialysis units in Lombardy, Italy

If you have an education topic suggestion and would like to volunteer to present a webinar or other format on this topic, then we want to hear from you!   Please contact the office and tell us about your suggestion.

Trying to access the refreshed WCEA learning platform but can't find your login details?  Please contact RSA membership.

Warm regards

Debbie Fortnum
RSA Co-Vice President Education/Member Engagement

WCEA - FREE ACCESS TO RSA MEMBERS

CARI Guidelines Update

The CARI guidelines steering committee met in March. Great progress is being made on a number of key guidelines.

• Management of CKD for Maori in Aotearoa/NZ ready for review by wider group. To be shared with additional RSA representatives.
• Management of CKD for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – consultation complete, evidence review being finalised.
• Management of kidney stones – evidence review underway.
• Evidence summary on COVID-19 in transplant recipients. Fast timeline and reviewing more recent research.
• First Living guideline (MAGIC app) – Cholesterol lowering therapy in CKD submitted to nephrology for publication.
• Screening and Management of Infectious diseases in HD units – consumer guideline – on hold due to resources but work should recommence soon.

Other guidelines also being worked on and as they are released they will be shared. Calls for reviewers and working party members for some newer guidelines should be out soon.

Dialysis Guidelines.

The new CARI website is available here.

EDTNA/ERCA Update

As mentioned in last months EDTNA/ERCA update Lynn Brown has decided that it is time for something of a tree change; she is moving back to her beloved WA and resigning from her role of EDTNA/ERCA Brand Ambassador for Australia and New Zealand.

While this wont be happening until April, we are calling for EOIs from RSA member to volunteer to step into the very large shoes being left behind by Lynn.   All queries regarding this opportunity  should be directed to Lynn.   The position description is available here.

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