Introduction to COPD and Spirometry GP2106

Who should Attend

This session is suitable for healthcare professionals regularly involved in the care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This includes nurses and healthcare professionals working in the community, GP practices, out of hours, rapid response and community settings who, given the burden of respiratory disease in the NHS, now require more knowledge regarding COPD and how this condition can be optimally managed in accordance with current guidance to improve patient outcomes.

Aims

This course will explore anatomy of the lungs and management of COPD in general practice.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the pathophysiological changes that occur in COPD and the associated symptoms
• Understand the importance of holistic assessment of a patient with COPD
• Develop knowledge of current treatment options for patients with COPD
• Understand the evidence based clinical guidelines for assessment and management of COPD
• Develop knowledge of current NICE guidelines and GOLD standards.

Content

• The role of breathlessness in the patient experience of COPD
• the impact of breathlessness on patients’ quality of life
• the role of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in managing breathlessness in COPD
• current guidance from NICE and GOLD
• practice advice on selecting the most appropriate treatment for a patient
• steps to reduce the environmental impact of inhalers
• Ordering Oxygen and completing HOOF form
• Overview of Spirometry

Course Benefits
On completion of the course successful students will be able to suggest, initiate and vary treatment in response to individual needs. They will demonstrate sound knowledge of the literature relevant to COPD and an insight into the strategic approaches to delivery of care, to enable them to improve their confidence in managing patients with COPD.

CPD Hours: 6