Principles of COPD for Professional Practice Short Course | Level 5/Diploma Level

Course content:

This course will equip learners with the knowledge and skills to improve the care of people with COPD in hospital and community settings. Sound knowledge, underpinned with essential practical skills and techniques equips them to participate effectively in the care of patients with COPD.

Successful learners will demonstrate appropriate skills and knowledge in the diagnosis, treatment and management of such patients and, using current clinical guidelines, will be able to suggest, initiate and vary treatment in response to assessment of individual needs.

Knowledge and understanding: 

Successful learners will typically be able to:

1. Discuss the pathophysiology of COPD with particular reference to examining the factors which increase the risk of developing COPD;
2. Discuss decision-making tools available to assess disability and health status in patients with COPD;
3. Evaluate current guidelines and evidence relating to the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of people with COPD to underpin decision making in a range of clinical situations, including management of the acute exacerbation and admission avoidance.

Skills and attributes:

Successful learners will typically be able to:

1. Discuss the key issues in history-taking and clinical assessment in relation to diagnosis and ongoing management of people with COPD, and evaluate and modify care appropriately in response to such assessment reflecting shared decision-making;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the use of spirometry to assess lung function in people with COPD, recognising normal from abnormal results and apply this in relation to specific patient scenarios including appropriate referral;
3. Discuss the psychosocial impact of having COPD on the individual and their family and suggest strategies to support individuals and their families in the self-management of their disease.

Duration: 6 months
Notional study time: 300 hours
Delivery: Interactive Blended Online
Learning
Course assessment: 
1,500 word assignment (30%)
2,500 word case study (70%)
Coursework: 100%
Credits: 30 at Level 5

Please be aware that this course will require the approval of your practice manager in order to confirm your booking. 

The course is to be completed within 6 months and requires that students complete the programme online. There is no set start date due to it's online nature.