This course begins on 29 January 2025. Location will be NI Hospice, Dame Cicely Saunders Room, Education Building, Somerton Rd, Belfast BT15 - Day 1 and Day 3 are being held on a face to face basis. Non NI resident students to use the online link.
Asthma Level 5 Open College Network (OCN) NI accredited.
12 Credit Value.
100 Guided Learning Hours.
Course Aim
Unit purpose and aim(s): This unit will enable the learner to understand the underlying pathophysiology and aetiology of Asthma, be able to accurately diagnose and optimally manage the condition as per the most up to date evidence practice based protocol.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the underlying pathophysiology and disease aetiology of asthma
- Know how to use the diagnostic objective and subjective assessments required to accurately diagnose asthma in line with current guidelines
- Understand the pharmacological pathways for the management of accurately diagnosed asthma
- Understand the potential impact of inhaler technique and adherence
- Be able to accurately demonstrate the correct use of inhalers
- Understand how to recognise and manage deteriorating asthma
- Be able to recognise severe, acute or life-threatening asthma
- Understand how to manage current and avert potential asthma attacks
- Reflect on current practice and its associated with asthma deaths
Suitable for
For all registered Healthcare professionals caring for asthma patients in the primary, secondary or community care setting.
Mode of Delivery
This 12-week course comprises of:
- Four compulsory days – 3 full days – delivered either via a hybrid approach using Google Classroom & face to face and 1 Assessment day
- 1 additional non-compulsory evening may also be offered
- In order to gain OCN NI accreditation – written, practical and portfolio assessments must be successfully achieved
Assessment method
- Two reflective case studies – one at 6 weeks and the second at week 10. These will ask the learner to critically analyse an aspect of care that was historically provided, identifying areas for improvement as per relevant guidelines
- On the assessment day:
- True/False Questions
- Four short answer questions – where the learner will be asked to answer two questions out of the four
- Practical assessment – Accurate demonstration of two inhaler devices selected by the assessor
- Portfolio of evidence demonstrating pharmacological management is mandatory for both asthma and COPD, submitted no later than the start of week 12
Course Dates
This course is covered over the following dates:
- Day 1: Wednesday 29 January 2025 (face to face teaching/non NI resident online)
- Day 2: Wednesday 19 February 2025 (via google classroom link)
- Day 3: Wednesday 12 March 2025 (face to face teaching/non NI resident online)
- Written and practical exams: 23 April 2025
Registration from 9:00AM. All dates are compulsory.
Due to encryption methods on devices in the workplace, you may need to use your personal computer to access this course and Google Classroom.