Chronic Disease Management in Primary Care

Course Overview This course aims to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to manage patients with chronic diseases effectively. The curriculum focuses on understanding the pathophysiology, prevention, assessment, treatment, and ongoing management of common chronic conditions.

Aims The Chronic Disease Management Course aims to equip healthcare professionals with an in-depth understanding of the various chronic diseases prevalent in primary care settings.

Objectives By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Recognise the signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with common chronic diseases.
• Utilise appropriate medication, lifestyle interventions, and other therapeutic modalities in line with current guidelines.
• Implement preventive measures, including screenings, immunisations, and lifestyle counselling.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills with both patients and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Practice with ethical considerations, maintaining patient confidentiality and dignity.
• Recognise the importance of ongoing professional development and evidence-based practice in chronic disease management.

Modules Module 1: Introduction to Chronic Disease Management

• Definition and classifications of chronic diseases
• Epidemiology and social determinants
• Overview of evidence-based care

Module 2:  Asthma

• Introduction to Asthma
• Diagnostics and BTS Sign Guidelines
• Use of MART and GINA
• Inhaler technique and self-management strategies
• Asthma Reviews

Module 3: COPD – Respiratory Conditions

• Pathophysiological changes in COPD
• Current treatment options
• NICE Guidelines and GOLD Standard

Module 4: Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders 

• Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes management
• Monitoring, insulin therapy, and lifestyle modification
• Complication prevention and care
• Diabetes Update

Module 5: Cardiovascular Disease : Heart Failure and Hypertension

• Hypertension, heart failure, and coronary artery disease
• Risk assessment and prevention strategies
• Treatment protocols and patient education

Module 6: Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in Older Persons

• Type 2 diabetes in the elderly
• Heart Failure, Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation
• Dyslipidaemia and Statin Treatment
• Diabetes and Renal Disease in the elderly

Module 7: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management 

• CKD stages and diagnosis
• Treatment approaches, including dialysis.
• Renal diet and medication management

Module 8 : Dementia

• Types and stages of dementia: Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and others
• Cognitive, behavioural, and psychological symptoms
• Challenges in diagnosis and assessment
• Integrating person-centred care and support for dementia patient

Module 9: Epilepsy

• Introduction to Epilepsy
• Epilepsy management in the community
• Treatment of Epilepsy

Module 10: Learning Disabilities and Chronic Diseases

• Chronic disease management in older individuals with learning disabilities
• Treating individuals with learning disabilities in nursing homes.
• Person centred approach

Module 11: Multiple Sclerosis

• Unique challenges for older persons with multiple sclerosis
• Clinical presentations and manifestations in older persons
• Treatment plans for older individuals with multiple sclerosis

Module 12: Parkinson’s Disease

• Overview of Parkinson’s disease: Pathophysiology and neurodegeneration
• Common symptoms and motor manifestations
• Early identification and differential diagnosis
• Evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological management

Module 13: Mental Illness

• Introduction to Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder
• Medication and therapy options
• Mental Health in Adolescents and Young People

Lecturer: Dr Balu Pitchiah, Consultant Psychiatrist and Dr Leah Brennan, Clinical Psychologist

Target Audience Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dieticians, and allied health workers involved in chronic care management. By undertaking this comprehensive course in chronic disease management, participants will be well-equipped to offer holistic, patient-centred care that enhances the quality of life for those living with chronic conditions. Collaboration with accrediting bodies will ensure alignment with required standards and competencies.