Course Overview: Introduction to COPD in Primary Care

These introductory days are tailored for nurses and other healthcare professionals who are new to the realm of COPD care or have not received formal training in this area. Led by Paula Matson, a Respiratory Specialist and Practice Nurse, the program is designed to build a foundational understanding of COPD and empower participants to provide effective care to COPD patients in primary care settings.

These introductory sessions offer a comprehensive journey from the fundamentals of COPD understanding to a confident approach in patient review and management, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and holistic care in primary care settings.

Day One:

09:15: Coffee and Registration
09:30: Introduction and Course Objectives
09:40: Anatomy and Physiology
10:00: Unveiling COPD: Understanding the Basics
10:45: Coffee Break
11:00: History Taking and Investigation Overview
13:00: Lunch
14:00: Navigating COPD Guidelines: Local and National
14:30: Inhaler Devices Session: Types and Techniques
14:30: Non-Pharmacological Management Approaches
15:30: Developing Action Plans, Evaluation, and Accessing Resources
15:45: Closing Remarks

Day Two:

09:15: Coffee and Registration
09:30: Review and Reflection on Day One's Learning
09:40: Monitoring COPD: How Do We Track Progress?
10:00: Mastering the COPD Review: Templates and Care Planning
10:45: Coffee Break
11:00: Revisiting Guideline Management Essentials
13:00: Lunch
14:00: Moving Beyond the Basics: Handling Flare-Ups, Breathlessness, and Palliation
15:30: Developing Action Plans, Evaluation, and Accessing Resources
15:45: Closing Remarks

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this Introduction to COPD course, participants will attain the following learning outcomes:

1. Emphasize Early Prevention:

- Recognize the significance of early prevention in COPD management and its impact on patient outcomes.

2. Grasp COPD Physiology:

- Develop a foundational understanding of the physiological underpinnings of COPD, aiding accurate assessment and care.

3. Comprehend Medications and Roles:

- Acquire knowledge about COPD medications, comprehending their diverse roles in managing symptoms.

4. Non-Pharmacological Management:

- Understand and appreciate non-pharmacological approaches to COPD care and symptom management.

5. Inhaler Proficiency:

- Gain expertise in managing various types of inhaler devices, ensuring effective medication delivery.

6. Documentation Proficiency:

- Understand the importance of meticulous documentation, including utilizing templates for streamlined care.

7. Review and Self-Management:

- Realize the value of regular patient review and supervised self-management plans for COPD patients.

8. Problem Solving and Solutions:

- Foster discussions to address relevant practice issues and collaboratively discover effective solutions.

9. Commitment to Ongoing Development:

- Recognize the importance of continuous professional development in the evolving landscape of COPD care.

These introductory sessions offer a comprehensive journey from the fundamentals of COPD understanding to a confident approach in patient review and management, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and holistic care in primary care settings.