RCN Accredited Asthma and COPD Course NORFOLK ICB ONLY

This course is a collaborative offering between your employer and BBO Training Ltd., designed to equip experienced healthcare professionals working in primary care settings with a comprehensive and holistic approach to managing patients with asthma and COPD. Even for those already holding a Diploma in either of these areas, the course has proven to be highly valuable, as indicated by positive evaluations from healthcare professionals.

The primary objective of this course is to provide qualified healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver effective asthma and COPD services in collaboration with their medical colleagues within the community healthcare setting. The course aims to raise awareness of these chronic conditions within the community, ensuring safe practice through the utilization of Patient Group Directions (PGDs) and protocols where appropriate. Participants will be clinically and theoretically prepared to establish and manage review and diagnostic clinics within their competency framework. Furthermore, the course emphasizes the clear differentiation between asthma and COPD.

Throughout the course, you, along with your primary mentor, will organise and validate your clinical engagements, both under supervision and independently. By the time of your final assessment, these forms should be fully completed and ready for submission, accompanied by both your and your mentor's evaluations. Additionally, maintaining a log of all clinical hours and interactions is required, with a minimum of 36 hours.

Upon completing this course, students will have the opportunity to:

1. Participate in various sessions, including workshops, simulations, discussions, seminars, and tutorials, which can be conducted either virtually or in-person.

2. Gain practical experience in asthma and COPD management within their local healthcare settings.

3. Develop an in-depth understanding of treatments, including their composition, efficacy, indications, contraindications, and mechanisms of action, through clinical practice.

4. Enhance advisory skills related to respiratory care on a broader scale.

5. Attend dedicated sessions for clinical practice.

6. Document a minimum of 36 hours of supervised clinical practice and maintain an ongoing reflective diary.

Workshops, Discussion Groups, Lectures, and Assessment: 40 hours

Clinical Practice: A minimum of 36 hours

Visits and Private Study: 44 hours

Private study time is essential for reading, conducting factual research on treatments through online sources, and accessing the library for literature searches. This time will facilitate writing, referencing, completing your reflective diary, and preparing for the final assessment.

Successful completion of all components is required. Components 2 to 4 must be passed to complete the course. A resit option is available for any component that is not initially passed, limited to one attempt.

1. Reflective Diary: This ongoing document, produced by the student throughout the course, is validated by both the student and mentor. While not directly marked, its completion is integral to your portfolio of evidence.

2. Clinical Outcomes: These must be validated and passed by your mentor, with all outcomes achieved, along with a log of clinical hours.

3. VIVA: A minimum pass mark of 50% is required.

4. Test of Knowledge: A minimum pass mark of 50% is necessary (conducted at the end of the initial study days).

Upon completion of this course, students will be capable of:

1. Evaluating and showcasing clinical competence through a reflective diary/log.

2. Demonstrating clinical assessment and treatment proficiency in a VIVA examination and knowledge assessment.

3. Effectively educating individuals about self-management and enhancing their understanding of their condition.

4. Displaying sensitivity and competence in obtaining comprehensive patient histories.

5. Adapting care for diverse patient groups and their unique needs.

6. Fulfilling professional responsibilities, including meticulous record-keeping and maintaining confidentiality.

7. Teaching the use of various inhalers and assessment equipment.

8. Developing fundamental assessment and examination techniques for respiratory conditions.

9. Operating with Patient Group Directions and protocols for asthma and COPD care.

10. Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating individual patient needs comprehensively.