Syllabus and Practical Skills

Foundation subjects generally include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology basics, communication and patient safety. Professional topics cover kidney function, renal disease, fluid and electrolyte balance, dialysis principles, machines, dialysers, circuits, anticoagulation concepts, vascular access and treatment documentation.

Practical learning includes pre-use checks, circuit priming, aseptic technique, monitoring vital signs and prescribed parameters, post-treatment processes and disinfection. Students should also understand peritoneal-dialysis principles even when most clinical exposure is haemodialysis.

Dialysis water safety is a central competency. Students learn the purpose of pre-treatment, reverse osmosis, storage and distribution, routine disinfection, sampling and documentation. Chemical or microbiological deviations must be escalated and affected equipment must not be used outside safety policy.

Strict hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, environmental cleaning, injection safety, blood-spill management and separation precautions reduce blood-borne infection risk. Shortcuts can harm multiple patients.