Introduction to Asthma & COPD for General Practice (Dual Format)

Registration 09:15 sessions run 09:30 to 16:00 on each day.

This is a multi-day (non-consecutive) event

• Day 1 – Tuesday 21st April 2026 – Face-to-Face at the Hamworthy Club.
• Day 2 – Tuesday 28th April 2026 – Over Zoom
• Day 3 – Tuesday 5th May 2026 – Over Zoom

Please ensure you are able to attend all the above dates before booking.

Introduction

This is a three-day introduction to asthma & chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for healthcare professionals (Registered and Associate Nurses, Paramedics, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists & Physicians Associates). This course is also suitable for level 3 or above HCA/HCSW who are supported by a Registered healthcare professional with appropriate respiratory training and experience.

Aims

• Provide an overview of the current understanding of asthma and COPD and an introduction to the monitoring and treatment available for both.
• Provide a knowledge base for HCP’s new to asthma and COPD to enhance knowledge and skills relevant for general practice.
• Provide an overview of the key differences in the signs and symptoms of asthma and COPD and an awareness of differential diagnosis.
• Introduction to risk identification and discuss appropriate escalation.
• Commence a pathway of respiratory education and equip candidate to continue through self-directed and formal learning in line with Fit to Care: Key Knowledge, Skills and Training for Clinicians Fit to Care | Primary Care Respiratory Society (pcrs-uk.org)
• Encourage self-directed learning

Objectives

On completion of the three course days, by undertaking additional self-directed learning and with peer/assessor support in practice, healthcare professionals should:

• Have increased understanding of the disease processes and person impact
• Have awareness of differential diagnosis
• Have improved awareness of history taking in respiratory disease.
• Appreciate the complexity of making a diagnosis of asthma or COPD.
• Have the ability to use, teach and understand peak flow readings & monitoring.
• Have awareness of spirometry in the diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory disease (Content not sufficient for education towards accreditation)
• Have awareness of the current guidelines for asthma and COPD.
• Have knowledge of commonly used inhaler devices, spacers and supporting tools to work towards a robust inhaler technique check.
• Have improved understanding of asthma and COPD exacerbation identification and assessment.
• Support patient education and facilitate steps towards self-management to optimise concordance and patient safety.
• Be working towards undertaking a basic monitoring patient review.
• Appreciate effective consultation in a time limited environment.

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