In a groundbreaking move, the Institute of Applied Dermatology (IAD) in Kerala has developed a nursing syllabus exclusively designed to cater to the unique needs of dermatology patients. The IAD has created a comprehensive syllabus for nurses in dermatology care after collaborating with International Skincare Nursing Group and Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom, Indian Nursing Council (INC) and Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR).
Though the initiative to formulate a syllabus for dermatology nurses began in 2000, a team led by IAD founder-director Dr S R Narahari and Prof Laxmi Nair, one of the founder members of IAD and currently the professor and head of department of dermatology in KMCT Medical College Hospital, had to work for over five years to finalise the syllabus, preparing registered nurses with specialised knowledge, skills, and attitudes to provide advanced quality care to patients with skin diseases, their families, and communities.
This pioneering initiative reflects IAD’s commitment to providing specialised care and further elevating the standards of healthcare within the field of dermatology.
“We conducted a comprehensive analysis and found that patients afflicted with dermatological conditions often require distinct nursing care compared to general nursing. This realisation laid the foundation for the development of a tailored curriculum, which will equip nurses with the knowledge and skills required to provide top-notch care to dermatology patients,” said IAD founder-director Dr S R Narahari.
As per the proposed nursing syllabus, it encompasses a wide array of topics, including dermatological assessment techniques, diagnosis, treatment modalities, and the management of common skin conditions. Only qualified general nursing students are eligible to specialise in dermatology nursing care.
IAD’s founder-member Prof Laxmi Nair said, “Dermatology is a specialised branch of medicine, and patients with skin conditions require specialised care. Our dermatology nursing syllabus will equip nurses with the knowledge and skills to provide the highest level of care to these patients, improving their overall quality of life,” she added.
Currently, the syllabus is further improved by the task force for dermatology nursing constituted by Indian Association of Dermatologists (IADVL). Dr Narahari is heading the task force and at the moment the syllabus is under the active consideration of IADVL for adoption at the national level.
This article has been published in partnership with Institute of Applied Dermatology.
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