Introduction to Asthma in Primary Care

This 2-Day Introduction to Asthma course is specifically designed for healthcare professionals in primary care settings. It provides a comprehensive overview of asthma management, from diagnosis to ongoing patient care. This interactive course is ideal for those new to asthma care or looking to refresh their knowledge.

Day 1 focuses on the fundamentals of asthma, including its definition, the importance of a good clinical history, and diagnostic tests. It covers the diagnosis of asthma in children and explores various asthma guidelines. The day concludes with an in-depth look at inhaler types, techniques, and considerations in choosing inhalers, followed by action plan development.

Day 2 builds on the previous day's learnings, with a focus on monitoring asthma, conducting asthma reviews, and creating Personalised Asthma Action Plans (PAAPs). Participants will learn about assessing and managing asthma attacks and review the National Register of Asthma Deaths (NRAD) for insights into asthma management. The course concludes with case studies and discussions to solidify the learning experience.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding Asthma

a. Develop a fundamental understanding of what asthma is.

b. Learn the importance of obtaining a thorough clinical history for accurate diagnosis.

2. Diagnostic Approaches

a. Understand various tests used to confirm an asthma diagnosis.

b. Learn about diagnosing asthma in children.

3. Guidelines and Inhaler Techniques

a. Familiarise with key asthma guidelines: BTS/SIGN, NICE, and GINA.

b. Gain practical knowledge about commonly used inhalers and their techniques.

4. Treatment and Management

a. Explore factors influencing the choice of inhalers.

b. Develop skills in creating effective asthma action plans.

5. Asthma Monitoring and Reviews

a. Learn methods to monitor asthma effectively in patients.

b. Understand how to conduct thorough asthma reviews.

6. Personalised Asthma Action Plans

a. Learn how to develop and implement PAAPs tailored to individual patients.

7. Assessing and Managing Asthma Attacks

a. Understand how to assess the level of asthma attacks and manage them appropriately.

8. Insights from NRAD

a. Review findings from the National Register of Asthma Deaths for improved asthma care.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for nurses and healthcare professionals new to asthma care, providing them with the knowledge and skills to confidently manage patients with asthma in a primary care setting. All practitioners seeking to enhance their expertise in asthma care are welcome to attend.