Online course | 30 – 45 minutes
When cancer affects the pancreas, it can reduce the number of enzymes it produces to break down food. The body begins to starve – unless Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) is prescribed.
PERT enables food to be digested, helps to build tolerance to treatments, reduces debilitating digestive symptoms and improves the quality of patients’ lives. It should be considered for everyone with pancreatic cancer at point of diagnosis.
Take this short course to find out more about PERT and pancreatic cancer, and get lots of top tips on effective use and troubleshooting.
CPD approved by
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for all healthcare professionals treating and supporting people with pancreatic cancer. It is particularly relevant for the following roles:
- UGI / HPB CNSs working in secondary care and specialist centres
- Dietitians working in secondary care and specialist centres
- Doctors working in secondary care and specialist centres
- Palliative care consultants and nurses
- GPs
- Support workers, patient navigators, MDT co-ordinators
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for all healthcare professionals treating and supporting people with pancreatic cancer. It is particularly relevant for the following roles:
- UGI / HPB CNSs working in secondary care and specialist centres
- Dietitians working in secondary care and specialist centres
- Doctors working in secondary care and specialist centres
- Palliative care consultants and nurses
- GPs
- Support workers, patient navigators, MDT co-ordinators
What will you achieve from taking this course?
- An increased knowledge and understanding of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) in pancreatic cancer
- An increased ability to recognise and diagnose PEI
- An increased knowledge and understanding of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT)
- The confidence to advise your patients on effective use of PERT and troubleshoot issues
You will receive a certificate of completion at the end of course.
What will this course cover?
Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency (PEI)
What it is; causes; who is affected; consequences; symptoms; and diagnosis.
Treating PEI with Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy
What it is and does; who needs it; how it should be taken; troubleshooting; important things to note; and educating and advising your patients.
FAQs
Do I need to complete the module in one go?
No. You can start the module and come back to it at later date to complete it. The course will remember your progress.
Can I get CPD from taking this module?
Yes. This module is endorsed by the British Dietetic Association and is CPD certified as part of this. On completion you will receive your certificate.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the course or if you need any help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at hpnetwork@pancreaticcancer.org.uk
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the following people who contributed, reviewed and tested this online course:
Reviewers
- Mary Phillips, Advanced Specialist Dietitian (HPB Surgery), Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Lynne McCallum, Pancreatic Cancer Specialist Nurse, Pancreatic Cancer UK
- Jeni Jones, Pancreatic Cancer Specialist Nurse, Pancreatic Cancer UK
User testers
- Dr Ruth Corbally, Macmillan GP Cancer Lead, Powys Teaching Health Board
- Susan Mason-Cave, Diabetes Nurse Specialist, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
- Paula Trainor, Cancer Pathway Manager (Pancreas), Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Rachel Haigh, HPB Clinical Nurse Specialist, Western General Hospital
Videos: People with pancreatic cancer who shared their experience
- Stuart McWilliam
- Carol Edgeley
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the following people involved in the creation of this online course:
Reviewers
- Mary Phillips, Senior Specialist HPB Dietitian, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Kelly Wilson, Specialist Dietitian (Pancreas), St James’ Hospital Leeds
- Lauren Roberts, HPB/UGI Lead Oncology Dietitian, The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre
- Lindsay Carnie, PCN Dietitian, Portsdown Group Practice
- Lynne McCallum, Pancreatic Cancer Specialist Nurse, Pancreatic Cancer UK
- Jeni Jones, Pancreatic Cancer Specialist Nurse, Pancreatic Cancer UK
User testers
- Dr Ruth Corbally, Macmillan GP Cancer Lead, Powys Teaching Health Board
- Susan Mason-Cave, Diabetes Nurse Specialist, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
- Paula Trainor, Cancer Pathway Manager (Pancreas), Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Rachel Haigh, HPB Clinical Nurse Specialist, Western General Hospital
Videos: People with pancreatic cancer who shared their experience
- Stuart McWilliam
- Carol Edgeley
The course content
The content of this course is supported by research, studies and guides which are referenced throughout the course content, and is also informed by our professionally reviewed Diet and Pancreatic Cancer booklet and presentations from specialist dietitians.