Introduction to Asthma & COPD

Provider: Wessex Local Medical Committees

Speaker/Trainer: Mrs Carla Astles and Mrs Kerry Woodward

This course is suitable for:

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.

Lesson Aim:

• 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.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the session the delegate will be able to: 

• 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.

3 Day non-consecutive event (09:30 – 16:00)

• Day 1 – Tuesday 06 October 2026 – Face-to-Face at Rownhams House
• Day 2 – Tuesday 13 October 2026 – Over Zoom
• Day 3 – Tuesday 20 October 2026 – Over Zoom

Book here 

Use passcode: DORACOPD26