Thank you to the members of the BSI-CIPN Steering Group who attended our most recent Steering Group meeting online in early September. This was the first meeting of the group since the launch of the 2024–2027 BSI-CIPN strategic plan in July. There was much enthusiasm from Steering Group members to hear updates on how early stages of the strategy implementation are progressing, and to collaborate in troubleshooting issues that have arisen so far. The group had a packed agenda, with a big focus on training and education, a key thematic pillar of the new strategy.
The meeting kicked off with a presentation from Dr Samuel Chee, consultant clinical immunologist at Royal Preston Hospital and representative of the Association of Clinical Pathologists (ACP). Dr Chee presented his initial review of the BSI/ACP Clinical Immunology Training Days curriculum. This review has been initiated with an aim to improve the focus and the structure of the training days for future clinical immunology trainees. The work carried out by Dr Chee was comprehensive and thorough, setting the foundation for discussions on frequency, topics and location of training days discussed by the group.
During the meeting, the programme for the 2024 BSI-CIPN conference was also discussed. Here, members of the Steering Group heard programme updates from Dr James Thaventhiran (BSI-CIPN Conference Programme Lead), Professor Sinisa Savic (Chair of the BSI-CIPN Steering Group) and Jane Sessenwein (BSI Director of Events and Training).
Finally, the Steering Group went on to discuss some of the key issues facing clinical immunology practice. Some of the main discussion points included the need for national-level, multi-disciplinary teams to support diagnosis and treatment in complex clinical presentations.
The Steering Group meets every quarter, with the next meeting taking place in December 2024. Do reach out to us at cipn@immunology.org to find out more about the BSI-CIPN Steering Group or to suggest topics for discussion.
BSI-CIPN Clinical Guidelines Special Interest Group
The BSI-CIPN Clinical Guidelines Special Interest Group supports the development of evidence-based, patient-centred guidelines on issues related to clinical immunology practice. Recently, the group provided its first official endorsement for the NTM Network Standards of Care for people living with non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease in the UK. The Standards outline the minimum level of care that people living with NTM disease should expect to receive in the NHS.
The Group also continues to support the BSI-CIPN to respond to clinically focused consultations and technology appraisals, drawing in additional expertise where needed.
An update on strategy implementation
The BSI-CIPN strategic plan sets the direction and priorities for the BSI-CIPN for the next three years from 2024 to 2027. The BSI-CIPN Steering Group and staff team have been working to drive and support implementation of priorities from the strategic plan and ensure alignment with the wider BSI strategy. Priorities include:
- Supporting the upcoming BSI-CIPN Conference
- Collaborating with partner organisations on training and education in clinical immunology
- Facilitating the development of the BSI clinical training offering
- Scoping policy and advocacy work, including mapping and evidence analysis on key issues
- Fostering connections between clinical and academic communities
The BSI-CIPN Steering Group will continue to work on reviewing and implementing the strategy over the coming months.
An update on policy
We’re pleased to announce that the BSI-CIPN has joined the National Allergy Strategy Group (NASG) as a stakeholder organisation. The NASG aims to enhance the lives of people with allergies in the UK and advocate for improved allergy services across the NHS. Their goal is to ensure all allergy patients receive high-quality care with equal access, regardless of their location in the UK.
By joining the NASG as a stakeholder organisation, the BSI-CIPN gains a valuable opportunity to input into the work of the NASG, as well as being able to support and collaborate on the development of a UK allergy strategy.
Find out more
If you’d like to find out more about the work of the BSI-CIPN and our membership and partnership opportunities, click here.