The new Criteria for the Clinical Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) in Australia, including the funding policy, were endorsed by all Australian Health Ministers on 7th December 2007.
Electronic copies of the Criteria and the Quick Reference Guide are available on the National Bloood Authority Website at www.nba.gov.au/ivig
Published copies of the full criteria and the quick reference guide may also be ordered by visiting the website. Enquiries may be directed to ivigcriteria@nba.gov.au
The Kidney Check Australia Taskforce (KCAT) is a project of the Kidney Health Australia committed to reducing the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Australia.
KCAT is chaired by Professor David Johnson and was established in 2001 with the aim of promoting the message of screening high-risk groups for kidney disease with a view to early intervention and prevention of progression.
The KCAT message is simple yet significant. All patients presenting to a general practice who are:
should be screened annually for CKD with the following tests:
The KCAT lead initiative is the national rollout of accredited standardized educational workshops for general practitioners (GPs), practice nurses and other health professionals through Divisions of General Practice. These workshops enhance health professional awareness of CKD, knowledge of the 'who and how' to screen for CKD, as well as to assist developing GP skills in the management of CKD.
The two-hour interactive workshops consist of a didactic presentation, small group work based on one or more case-studies, as well as a plenary discussion. A GP chairs the workshop, whilst a nephrologist facilitates the GP workshop and provides expert advice. KCAT provides all educational materials, including a PowerPoint presentation and handouts.
The Divisions of General Practice now the following modules from which to choose:
Divisions of General Practice are now scheduling KCAT workshops for 2008, and we may be calling YOU to assist.
If you want to learn more about the KCAT initiative, please contact Chris Archibald (KCAT Project Manager), chris.archibald@kidney.org.au, (08) 8334 7501.
Updated January 2008
