Affiliations: School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of
Health & Human Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield,
Hertfordshire, UK | Department of Laboratory Medicine, Section of Clinical
Immunology, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge,
Stockholm, Sweden | Clinical Nurse Specialist in Immunology &
Allergy, Department of Immunology, Epsom & St Helier University NHS
Trust, Carshalton, Surrey, UK
Abstract: The care of adults and children with primary immunodeficiencies is
very much a multi-disciplinary and multi-professional responsibility. Amongst
many of the health, and other, professionals whose input can make all the
difference to the quality of life of these patients, the nurse stands out as
the one person who probably has the most contact with the patients and their
families. This chapter looks at the multi-dimensional role of the nurse who is
working with these patients and their families. These roles encompass the
recognition of PIDs, the physical, psychosocial and emotional care of the
patients and families, the prevention of complications, educational, and
research. Of particular importance is the nurse's role in fostering, and
working within, partnerships – partnerships with other health professionals,
with families, and above all, with patients.
Keywords: Holistic care, partnership, support and care, education
