The RCN has launched new guidance to help nurses manage people with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).
The resources were developed by the RCN Gastrointestinal Forum and aims to use nurses's access to people with IDA to help reduce further health complications. They provide comprehensive guidance for nurses in identifying the condtion and the various ways to treat it, from dietary supplements to intravenous iron.
The guidance covers topics such as heavy menstrual bleeding and irregular bleeding, IDA in pregnancy and inflammatory bowel disease.
Isobel Mason, RCN project lead and nurse consultant in Gastroenterology at the Royal Free Hospital, said: 'Iron deficiency anaemia is easily treated, but a lack of awareness and training has led to it often becoming a serious problem for patients - and a heavy expense for health servies. Our resources will help nurses treat the condition efficiently and hopefully help prevent further health issues for patients.'
IDA is caused by a lack of iron in the body, resulting in a reduction in red blood cells. If it is left untreated it can lead to serious health implications, from loss of working time to surgery and blood transfusions.
The resources are available in both print and electronic format.