EDTNA/ERCA

European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association /
European Renal Care Association

was established in 1971 to address the special needs of nurses and other professionals that treat patients suffering from renal failure. Since then, the Association has grown to become the most important forum in Europe for the exchange of information and experience for all members of the renal care team who treat patients suffering from renal failure (nurses, technicians, social workers, dietitians, unit managers, transplant co-ordinators, and other professionals working with renal patients).

The Purpose of EDTNA/ERCA is to:Achieve a high level of quality care and support for patients and their families Promote the advancement of renal care through education and continuous professional developmentBe the recognised multi-disciplinary renal care association in Europe Develop and continually update standards for renal care Promote in its members an awareness of the social, cultural and ethical implications involved in the provision of renal careProvide continuing education in renal careInitiate, promote and conduct research in renal care and disseminate the resultsEncourage communication and co-operation between all members of the multi-disciplinary team involved in the provision of renal care

EDTNA/ERCA is a multi-disciplinary organisation of individual members and has more than 5000 members in more than 65 countries worldwide. To deal with the multilingual situation, EDTNA/ERCA operates via Key Members in most European countries. EDTNA/ERCA also created more recently the European Network of Renal Care Associations (ENRCA) with as purpose reaching a united voice within the European Union representing renal healthcare professionals. Annually, EDTNA/ERCA organises an International Conference with over 2'000 attendees and an industry exhibition.

The Education Board published the European Basic (Pre-registration) Core Curriculum in Nephrology and provides members with current information on post-basic and continuing Education, Standards and Quality Management in renal care, online educational modules and new learning opportunities and ensures teaching accreditation at different levels. Through the Research Board, members have access to project reports and can initiate their own research project of European-wide interest and also several Practice Guidelines were published. The European Practice Database (EPD) offers comparative results at the European level will lead to a better understanding of differences in renal practice between countries, improving quality care.

EDTNA/ERCA also co-operates in the International DOPPS III study, comparing practice worldwide. Members have access to our Interest Groups through the Anaemia, Hypertension, Nutrition, Paediatric, Social Worker, Technician and Transplantation Chairs for specific questions from the relevant areas and these groups work on various projects. Members receive a quarterly peer-reviewed scientific Journal and are kept informed about association news via our Newsletter which is translated into seven languages.