eThalED Course for Medical Specialists
Introduction:
The eThalED course offers specialised knowledge on the prevention and clinical management of thalassaemia to internationally based medical specialists who are interested in and/or involved in these areas. The course is based on the “Guidelines for the Management of Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassaemia (5th edition – 2025)”.
The development of this e-course forms an integral part of TIF’s mission to promote equitable access to high-quality care for every patient, regardless of where they live. Its contribution is particularly important in the context of ongoing migration, which has altered the geographical distribution of thalassaemia and other haemoglobin disorders. Population movements from regions with high prevalence, including parts of Africa and Asia, to European countries have increased the need for greater awareness, specialised clinical expertise, and appropriately equipped healthcare services in countries where these disorders were previously less common.
In this context, haemoglobin disorders, or haemoglobinopathies, constitute a global public health concern, requiring robust prevention policies, specialised knowledge and multidisciplinary healthcare services to address their complex clinical challenges and ensure a good quality of life for patients.
The eThalED Course focuses on β-thalassaemia, the most severe form of the condition. A distinguishing feature is its emphasis on the patients’ perspective on the prevention and treatment of thalassaemia, which offers valuable insights on the importance of timely and comprehensive genetic counselling, the importance of maximising patient adherence to treatment, and other key aspects involved in the changing doctor-patient relationship that favours strong patient participation in all aspects of their treatment.
The eThalED Course is offered in English, French, and Arabic.
Read the eThalED leaflet (EN)
Aims and objectives:
- To offer specialized knowledge of thalassaemia epidemiology, inheritance and prevention, pathophysiology, diagnosis and associated complications.
- To assist medical specialists in dealing with the complexity of the disease
- To assist in the improvement of existing conditions and services for quality clinical management and support for people with thalassaemia.
Requirements for participation:
- Medical degree and specialisation in Internal Medicine, or Paediatrics, Haematology
- Previous experience in the treatment of Haemoglobinopathies will be preferred
Contents:
The eThalED programme for Medical Specialists is comprised of two (2) electronic courses covering in-depth key issues related to thalassaemia prevention and clinical management.
The two courses aim to strengthen medical specialists’ knowledge of thalassaemia, introduce the patients’ perspective with regard to the various complex aspects of thalassaemia, and equip them with the necessary tools to seek further development.
Course 1: Prevention |
Course 2: Clinical management |
| Why prevention | Introduction to thalassaemia: genetic basis, pathophysiology and diagnosis |
| The Epidemiology of Thalassaemia | Blood transfusions |
| Prevention Strategies | Iron overload and chelation |
| Practical aspects of effective prevention programmes- Screening | Cardiac complications |
| Ethical and legal issues | Liver and spleen |
| Course Certificate | Infections |
| Endocrine disorders and osteoporosis | |
| Fertility and pregnancy | |
| Thalassaemia emergencies | |
| Psychosocial support and lifestyle in thalassaemia | |
| Thalassaemia treatment: Alternative and new approaches | |
| Organization of thalassaemia care | |
| Case Studies | |
| Webinars | |
| Additional Resources | |
| Course Certificate |
Registration:
You may access the course material by easily creating an account on TIF e-Academy.
Certificates:
A certificate will be given at the end of each module to the medical specialists who complete the pre-test (regardless of grade), review all the module content, and pass the post-test (100% grade). Medical specialists can opt for any one or more particular modules, e.g., Hepatology, Endocrinology, and/ or Cardiology, in which case they will be able to download only the certificate of the module they completed.
NB: This certificate does not equal or replace any university medical specialization or expertise.
Forum:
There is a dedicated forum (discussion board) attached to each of the two courses. You can use these forums to discuss with other participants (medical specialists from around the globe) and TIF on the content of these courses or any other issues related to your practice.
To do so, you need to: (1) Add a new thread, (2) Name it after the topic of your discussion; and (3) Type in your questions, thoughts, observations, experiences.
Cost:
The course is offered free of charge to interested medical specialists worldwide.