1. Understand the underlying pathophysiology and disease aetiology of asthma
2. Know how to use the diagnostic objective and subjective assessments required to accurately diagnose asthma in line with current guidelines
3. Understand the pharmacological pathways for the management of accurately diagnosed asthma
4. Understand the potential impact of inhaler technique and adherence
5. Be able to accurately demonstrate the correct use of inhalers
6. Understand how to recognise and manage deteriorating asthma
7. Be able to recognise severe, acute or life-threatening asthma
8. Understand how to manage current and avert potential asthma attacks
9. Reflect on current practice and its associated with asthma deaths

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

• 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

This course is covered over the following dates:

• Day 1: Wednesday 15th May 2024 (face to face teaching)
• Day 2: Wednesday 29th May 2024 (via google classroom link)
• Day 3: Wednesday 26th June 2024 (face to face teaching)
• Written and practical exams: 7th  August 2024

Registration from 9:00AM. All dates are compulsory.