Management of Asthma
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2024/09046
Max group:
12
Learn effective strategies for diagnosing, treating, and managing asthma in healthcare settings
Course Summary
Management of Asthma
This course provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage asthma in a clinical setting. Participants will explore the pathophysiology of asthma, strategies for diagnosis and assessment, and the role of medications in treatment. The course covers the latest guidelines and best practices for managing asthma, including monitoring techniques, patient education, and the management of acute asthma exacerbations. By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care for individuals with asthma. Key Learning Objectives: Understand the Pathophysiology of Asthma: Learn about the underlying mechanisms of asthma and how it affects the airways. Identify triggers and risk factors that contribute to asthma exacerbations. Diagnose Asthma Effectively: Recognise common symptoms and signs of asthma in children and adults. Use diagnostic tools such as spirometry and peak flow monitoring to assess asthma severity. Develop Asthma Management Plans: Understand the key components of an asthma management plan, including medications and triggers. Create personalised asthma action plans to guide patients in managing their condition. Implement Pharmacological Treatment: Learn about the different classes of asthma medications: relievers, preventers, and controllers. Understand the appropriate use of inhalers, nebulisers, and oral medications. Manage Acute Asthma Exacerbations: Recognise early signs of an asthma attack and understand emergency management protocols. Implement interventions such as oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids during exacerbations. Monitor and Evaluate Asthma Control: Learn how to assess asthma control using objective measures like peak flow readings and symptom tracking. Develop skills to adjust treatment plans based on patient feedback and clinical assessments. Educate Patients and Promote Self-Management: Teach patients how to monitor their symptoms, use medications correctly, and avoid triggers. Promote adherence to treatment regimens and encourage proactive asthma management. Address Special Considerations in Asthma Care: Understand the unique needs of specific populations, such as children, elderly patients, and pregnant women. Consider co-existing conditions (e.g., allergies, COPD) and their impact on asthma management. By completing this course, participants will be well-prepared to manage asthma effectively, improve patient outcomes, and enhance quality of life for individuals living with asthma in healthcare settings.
Course Contents
Introduction to Asthma
Definition of asthma and its prevalence in different populations
Pathophysiology of asthma: how inflammation and bronchoconstriction affect the airways
Asthma triggers and risk factors: environmental, genetic, and lifestyle influences
Diagnosing Asthma
Clinical presentation of asthma: symptoms and signs
Differential diagnosis and how to rule out other respiratory conditions Diagnostic tools: spirometry, peak flow measurements, and bronchoprovocation tests Understanding asthma severity and classification: intermittent, mild, moderate, severe
Asthma Medication and Treatment Options
Overview of pharmacological treatment: relievers, preventers, and controllers Inhaler devices: types, techniques, and patient education on correct usage
Long-term control medications: inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, long-acting beta-agonists
Quick-relief medications: short-acting beta-agonists and anticholinergics
Biological therapies for severe asthma: monoclonal antibodies (e.g., omalizumab, mepolizumab)
Developing an Asthma Action Plan Key components of an asthma action plan: medication regimen, self-monitoring, and trigger avoidance
Personalised asthma management based on severity and symptoms
Education strategies to empower patients in managing their asthma on a daily basis
Promoting adherence to treatment and self-management strategies
Monitoring Asthma Control Tools for monitoring asthma: peak flow meters, symptom diaries, and ACT (Asthma Control Test)
Assessing asthma control through regular follow-ups and clinical assessments
Adjusting treatment based on monitoring results and patient feedback
Identifying early warning signs of poor asthma control
Managing Acute Asthma Exacerbations
Recognising the signs of an asthma attack and the importance of early intervention
Stepwise management during an exacerbation: pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions
Emergency care protocols for acute asthma exacerbations in healthcare settings
Indications for hospitalisation and monitoring during a severe exacerbation
Patient Education and Self-Management Educating patients on asthma triggers, prevention, and medication use
Promoting lifestyle changes that support asthma control: diet, exercise, and smoking cessation
Encouraging the use of peak flow monitoring and maintaining a symptom diary
Supporting patients in identifying and managing their personal triggers (e.g., allergens, exercise, weather)
Special Considerations in Asthma Management
Managing asthma in children: developmental considerations and treatment adjustments
Asthma in pregnancy: medication safety and management strategies
Asthma in elderly patients: managing comorbidities and medication interactions
Addressing asthma in individuals with co-existing conditions (e.g., allergic rhinitis, COPD, obesity)
Addressing Asthma Inequality and Access to Care
Understanding health disparities in asthma care across different populations
Overcoming barriers to effective asthma care, particularly in underserved communities
Strategies for improving asthma care access and outcomes in diverse populations
Asthma in the Community and Prevention Strategies
Community-based asthma care: outreach, education, and reducing environmental risks
Collaboration with schools, workplaces, and other public health sectors to improve asthma outcomes
Advocacy and policy efforts to reduce asthma-related morbidity and mortality
Case Studies and Clinical Scenarios Reviewing real-world cases to explore challenges and decision-making in asthma management
Role-playing difficult clinical situations and managing patient concerns
Group discussions on applying best practices in various asthma care settings
Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.
Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.
Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;