Course description

Course Objectives: 

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Interpret a wide range of blood test results commonly ordered in primary care.
  2. Understand the clinical significance of abnormal blood test findings.
  3. Identify potential underlying medical conditions based on blood test results.
  4. Recognise patterns and trends in blood test values for effective patient management.
  5. Apply evidence-based guidelines and best practices in the interpretation of blood results.
  6. Communicate effectively with patients regarding their blood test results and implications for their health.

Course Content

  1. Introduction to Blood Tests:
    • Purpose and significance of blood tests in primary care.
    • Overview of the laboratory testing process.
    • Key blood parameters and their clinical relevance.
  2. Complete Blood Count (CBC):
    • Interpretation of red blood cell indices (haemoglobin, haematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC).
    • Understanding white blood cell differential counts.
    • Platelet count and its significance.
  3. Renal Function Tests:
    • Interpreting serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
    • Understanding blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels.
    • Assessing electrolyte imbalances (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate).
  4. Liver Function Tests:
    • Interpretation of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, GGT).
    • Evaluating bilirubin levels and liver synthetic function.
    • Understanding albumin and globulin levels.
  5. Lipid Profile:
    • Interpreting cholesterol levels (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides).
    • Understanding the significance of lipid ratios and cardiovascular risk assessment.
  6. Glucose and HbA1c:
    • Interpretation of fasting and random blood glucose levels.
    • Understanding HbA1c values for diabetes management and monitoring.
  7. Thyroid Function Tests:
    • Interpreting thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3, and free T4 levels.
    • Recognising hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism patterns.
  8. Case Studies and Interactive Discussions:
    • Applying knowledge and skills through case-based scenarios.
    • Analysing complex blood test results and formulating appropriate management plans.
  9. Communicating with Patients:
    • Strategies for effectively communicating blood test results to patients.
    • Addressing patient concerns and providing appropriate explanations.
  10. Practical Tips and Resources:
    • Resources for staying up-to-date with reference ranges and guidelines.

Course Format

This session will be delivered through a combination of interactive live lectures, and  case discussions. Also, the participants will have access to course materials, including reference ranges, clinical guidelines, and handouts for future reference.

Target Audience:

  • General practitioners (GPs)
  • Paramedics
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Physician assistants
  • Pharmacists
  • Other healthcare professionals involved in primary care settings

Course Duration The duration of the course is one day webinar with a requirement to review the booklet prior to attending the session.


What will i learn?

  • Understand Basic Principles: Explain the fundamental principles of blood test interpretation, including reference ranges and common laboratory terminology.
  • Identify Key Tests: Recognise and understand the significance of key blood tests commonly ordered in general practice (e.g., FBC, LFT, U&E, lipid profile).
  • Interpret Results: Demonstrate the ability to interpret basic blood test results accurately and understand their clinical implications.
  • Apply Knowledge to Practice: Apply knowledge of blood test interpretation to real-world clinical scenarios through case studies.
  • Diagnose Common Conditions: Utilise blood test results to aid in the diagnosis and management of common conditions encountered in general practice (e.g., anaemia, infections, thyroid disorders).
  • Monitor Diabetes Management: Understand the role of blood tests in monitoring diabetes management, including HbA1c, fasting glucose, and lipid profiles.
  • Adjust Treatment Plans: Use blood test results to guide adjustments in diabetic treatment plans and patient counseling.
  • Interpret Coagulation Profiles: Interpret blood test results related to anticoagulation management, including INR, PT, and APTT.

Requirements

  • This session will be delivered through a combination of interactive live lectures, and case discussions. Please review base terminology and complete the quiz before the live session.

Belmatt Healthcare Training

Gill Dunn

In 2013, Gill joined Buckinghamshire CCG, where she currently serves as a Diabetes Nurse Specialist. In this role, she provides educational and clinical support to healthcare professionals in primary care, playing a pivotal part in shaping the local diabetes pathway and developing new guidelines. Her collaborative approach extends across various healthcare teams, fostering partnerships with Medicines Management, CCG, Primary, Secondary, Community Care, Mental Health teams, and Public Health. Gill's commitment to enhancing diabetes care is evident in her involvement in diverse projects. She spearheaded the National Diabetes Audit for Pregnancy initiative, contributed to the development of Pre and Post-operative guidelines, and played a key role in formulating the Diabetes in Remission policy.Notably, Gill has a fervent dedication to improving diabetes care for the elderly and frail. Her pioneering education program for care and nursing home staff earned her a prestigious poster award, recognition at a national conference, and a feature in the Diabetes UK 'Balance' magazine. This impactful work contributed to her distinguished recognition as a Queen’s Nurse in 2018, reflecting her outstanding contributions to nursing and diabetes care. Gill Dunn continues to be a trailblazer in the field, advocating for comprehensive diabetes care and serving as an inspiration for healthcare professionals striving to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with diabetes.  

Aneela Tehseen

Pharmacist. Lecturer – Antimicrobial Stewardship &  EMIS TrainingWith over 18 years of unwavering dedication to community pharmacy, Aneela Tehseen stands as a seasoned professional whose expertise has significantly impacted the landscape of primary care medicine management. Aneela brings a wealth of experience, particularly in her role as an independent prescriber, where she has been instrumental in shaping clinical care practices and protocols. Aneela's journey encompasses a remarkable 7+ years of specialisation in medicine management within primary care settings. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her multifaceted role, which includes clinical care training across various domains. Aneela has been at the forefront of designing and implementing clinical pathways and digital decision aid tools, showcasing her proficiency in leveraging technology to enhance healthcare outcomes.As a clinical auditor, Aneela ensures the highest standards of care, constantly refining and improving processes. Her commitment to non-clinical care training is equally noteworthy, covering areas such as Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), EMIS web utilisation, and conflict resolution strategies. Aneela's contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. Her work has been acknowledged and published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), particularly in the critical realm of prescribing high-risk drugs in primary care. This recognition is a testament to her dedication to advancing patient safety and promoting best practices in healthcare.In addition to her clinical endeavours, Aneela has played a pivotal role in preparing GP practices for Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessments from a clinical perspective. Her insights and guidance have been invaluable in ensuring that healthcare providers meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Aneela Tehseen's impact on the healthcare landscape is characterised by a relentless pursuit of excellence, blending clinical expertise with a passion for training, innovation, and system optimisation. Her forward-thinking approach continues to shape the future of pharmacy and primary care, leaving an indelible mark on the profession.  

Dr Sam Thenabadu

Dr Sam Thenabadu MBBS MRCP DRCOG DCH MA Clin Ed  FCEM MSc (Paed) FHEA FAcadMEdEd Consultant Adult & Paediatric Emergency Medicine Deputy Dean & MBBS Programme Director, GKT School of Medicine Reader / Associate Professor in Medical Education Sam graduated from King’s College London in 2001 dual training in Adult & Paediatric Emergency Medicine in London before being appointed a consultant in 2011 at the Princess Royal University Hospital. He has Master’s level degrees in both Clinical Medical Education and Advanced Paediatrics and is completing his executive leadership Master’s Business Administration eMBA in 2024. He has a passion for medical education and is the Deputy Dean and programme director for at GKT School of Medicine, involved in the strategic and operational aspects of a new medical school curriculum at one of the biggest medical schools in the UK. Sam has been the lead doctor for the London Olympic Stadium since it reopened in 2015, overseeing major events such as Premier League Football, the Rugby World Cup, the World Athletics Championships, and music concerts with capacities of up to 90,000. At postgraduate level he is a RCEM examiner and was the London Health Education England lead for CT3 PEM trainees for 7 years. He continues to preach to anyone that will listen, and especially those that don’t, that that ‘children are not just little adults’. Academically he has written and edited 12 textbooks and has published in peer review journals and given oral and poster presentations at national conferences in emergency medicine, paediatrics, medical education and patient safety. A proud EM physician and educator , but a prouder still father of two amazing boys and a baby girl, who constantly catalyse his passion and drive to succeed but remind him of what is truly most important in life.

Jay Verma

£125

+VAT

Course code

BL2401

Cpd hours

6

Skill level

Intermediate

Expiry period

3 Months

Certificate

Yes

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