The aim of this self-directed, online programme is to provide an overview of respiratory illness, medicines used to treat respiratory illness and devices used for delivery of these medicines. The programme will provide guidance on how pharmacists, practicing in primary care, can support patient’s self-management of their respiratory illness.
The programme is fully on-line and should take 2-3 hours to complete.
You must be logged in to the IIOP website to book a place on this training programme.
Module 1: Respiratory Illness in Ireland (30 min approx.)
Aim: To provide an overview of common respiratory illnesses and direct pharmacists to sources of further information.
At the end of this module, pharmacists will be able to;
· Describe the burden of respiratory disease in Ireland
· Define the most common respiratory illnesses in Ireland (COPD and Asthma) including causes, risk-factors, prevention (where applicable) and incidence in Ireland
· Identify patient support groups for each of the illnesses
· Identify education and patient information leaflets patients and carers should receive from their treating hospital/ other sources on diagnosis and for ongoing management of their illness
Module 2: Medicines Management (45 min approx.)
Aim: To further build on pharmacist’s knowledge of medicines used to treat respiratory illness and devices used for delivery of these medicines.
At the end of this module, pharmacists will be able to;
· Describe the GINA (asthma) and GOLD (COPD) statements in relation to control of each chronic respiratory illness
· Describe the different medications used to treat respiratory illnesses
· Identify medications to prevent exacerbations and control symptoms and those to treat an exacerbation of the illness
· explain the benefits, side-effects and interactions of inhaled medications and oral medications to treat respiratory conditions
· identify the role of relievers and preventers in respiratory illness
· detail the equivalent doses of inhaled corticosteroids
· relay the benefits and issues with combination inhalers
· be able to describe the types of inhalers currently available, their underlying principles, design and functionality, and highlight the similarities and differences between them and demonstrate the correct use of each of these devices
· provide advice regarding the most appropriate inhaler device for a particular patient group and advise on the use of spacer devices and nebulisers where appropriate
· have insight into the factors contributing to the effectiveness of inhaler therapy (including common mistakes made by patients) and ways to optimise treatment outcomes
· be equipped with the knowledge and resources to explain and demonstrate the importance of a correct inhaler technique to patients
· understand the patient requirements for an ideal inhaler device and support a personalised approach to inhaler therapy.
Module 3: Supporting Patient Self-Management (30 min approx.)
Aim: To provide guidance to pharmacists on how they can support patient’s self-management of their respiratory illness.
At the end of this module, pharmacists will be able to;
· Describe what patient self-management is including self-care plans
· Provide advice to patients on living well with a respiratory illness e.g. the importance of vaccination, smoking cessation (if applicable) exercise and diet
· identify tools which can help patients determine if their respiratory illness is well controlled (Asthma and COPD) how to monitor control and steps to take if control deteriorates
· explain the complications that may develop due to poor control
· Describe pulmonary rehabilitation and when it is used
