TOWSON, Md., Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) announced today the availability of a free accredited online continuing education (CE) course for  nurses. The goal of this CE course is to increase the knowledge of nurses by providing an educational update on primary immunodeficiency disease and immunoglobulin therapy.

The IDF is the national patient organization dedicated to improving the diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of persons with primary immunodeficiency diseases through advocacy, education and research.

The five-credit CE course offered by IDF consists of four presentations which will provide a full understanding of immunoglobulin (IG) therapy, primary immunodeficiencies and the difference between subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy (SCIG) and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG), focusing on the nurse's role with these therapies.

"We are delighted to present this continuing education course," said Marcia Boyle, President and Founder of IDF. "It is an initiative of our IDF Nurse Advisory Committee that was established to improve the quality of healthcare and education provided by nurses for patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases. This course fits perfectly with the committee's mission.  It is a unique opportunity for nursing professionals to gain greater expertise in immunoglobulin therapy, which is so important for our patients."

Presentation

Nurses can enjoy the convenience of online education while learning from four distinguished health care professionals:

• Jordan Orange, MD, PhD, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
  Presentation: Overview of IG Therapy and Disease States in which it is Utilized
• Mark Ballow, MD, SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo
  Presenta
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