COPD

To provide underpinning knowledge associated with best practice for performing safe and effective care and treatment for patients with COPD. Awareness of the principles of “Pulmonary Rehabilitation” in relation to COPD and promote the safety and well-being of all patients with COPD who require care and support.

DESCRIPTION

By the end of the course, candidates will be able to:

• Discuss legal and professional responsibilities associated with performing COPD care with local and national guidance
• Follow procedures for gaining consent and correct documentation
• Describe anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system
• Describe the key aspects of diagnosis and assessment of COPD
• Outline the non-pharmacological treatments for patients with COPD and when their use might be appropriate.
• List different ways in which inhalation therapy might be used
• Explain the cautions that need to be considered when administering oxygen
• Understand the need to manage health and safety risk
• Identify and discuss the range of available equipment
• Discuss the importance of holistic care

Practitioners will be assessed by –

• Ability to answer questions during course
• Discussion following feedback from activities
• Completing a post course knowledge assessment

Course content

• Legal and professional considerations and responsibilities
• Consent for care and treatment
• Anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system
• What is COPD?
• Emphysema
• Chronic bronchitis
• Type 2 respiratory failure
• COPD statistics
• Background to COPD
• Causes – Smoking, fumes and dust, air pollution, genetics
• Making a diagnosis
• Symptoms
• Clinical history and tests
• Correct diagnosis?
• Assessing disease severity
• Inhaled medications
• Nebulisers
• Oxygen therapy
• Oxygen cautions
• Smoking cessation
• Physical activity
• Vaccination
• Nutrition and malnutrition
• Psycho-social wellbeing
• Patient education
• End of life care
• Principles of Nursing Practice
• Knowledge assessment