TIF Fellowship for Haemoglobinopathy Nurses
Nurses play a pivotal role in achieving better patient outcomes by providing continuous, patient-centred care and serving as an essential link between patients, physicians and the wider multidisciplinary team. Their contribution is particularly critical in the management of chronic, complex, multi-organ genetic disorders such as thalassaemia and sickle cell disease, where lifelong, coordinated care is required. Recognising the vital role of haemoglobinopathy nurses, the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) has, for decades, invested in strengthening their knowledge and skills through the development of specialised nursing guidelines and educational initiatives.
Building on this long-standing commitment to nursing excellence, the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) Fellowship for Haemoglobinopathy Nurses is a three-day advanced training programme designed to provide focused clinical and educational experience in the nursing management of thalassaemia and sickle cell disease (SCD).
The fellowship is hosted at the Thalassaemia Unit, Centre of Expertise in Rare Haematological Diseases at Laiko General Hospital in Athens, Greece, a recognised TIF Collaborating Centre. The Unit provides participating nurses with both practical and theoretical training within a multidisciplinary clinical environment, aligned with international standards of care and prevention. The programme also includes exposure to the Molecular Genetics Laboratory, offering participants valuable insight into the genetic aspects of haemoglobinopathies.
Laiko General Hospital is a major public teaching hospital affiliated with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School. Established in 1933 under the Greek Ministry of Health, the hospital operates within the Greek National Healthcare System and has been a member of EuroBloodNet, the European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Haematological Diseases, since 2023.
Purpose and Objectives
Following the successful launch of the 2nd edition (2025) of TIF’s Guide for the Haemoglobinopathy Nurse and the well-attended first workshop for haemoglobinopathy nurses held in Athens, TIF continues with this fellowship to strengthen its commitment to structured, high-quality professional education.
TIF strongly advocates for continuous specialist training and capacity building for nurses involved in the care of patients with thalassaemia and SCD. Educational programmes are fundamental to ensuring the delivery of safe, evidence-based, and high-quality nursing care.
Given that haemoglobinopathies are complex, chronic, and multisystem disorders, optimal patient management requires advanced and sustained clinical knowledge. This includes expertise in transfusion therapy, iron chelation management, monitoring and prevention of complications, and long-term multidisciplinary care coordination.
Purpose of the Fellowship
The purpose of this fellowship is to strengthen the capacity and expertise of nurses who are committed in working long-term in haemoglobinopathy care by providing immersive, practice-oriented training in a leading centre of excellence.
It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, ensuring that nurses are equipped to deliver comprehensive, patient-centred, and evidence-based care for individuals living with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease.
Objectives of the Fellowship
The fellowship programme is designed to:
- Enhance clinical knowledge in the diagnosis, management, and long-term care of thalassaemia and sickle cell disease
- Strengthen nursing competencies in transfusion therapy and iron chelation management
- Provide hands-on exposure to multidisciplinary care models within a centre of excellence
- Familiarise participants with international standards, guidelines, and best practices in haemoglobinopathy care
- Improve understanding of complications monitoring and prevention strategies
- Promote collaboration and knowledge exchange among haemoglobinopathy nurses