Overview

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On this course, you’ll get a world-class introduction in how to diagnose and manage respiratory disease in low- and middle-income primary care settings. Explore how to treat chronic respiratory disease Chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) place a huge burden on healthcare services worldwide, as recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). On the course, you’ll explore the physical, psychological, and social impact of chronic respiratory diseases on the individual, their family, and the wider community. Improve your diagnostic skills You’ll demonstrate an improved ability as a healthcare professional to diagnose and manage asthma, COPD, and other chronic respiratory diseases in children and adults. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to assess how to adapt your advice to the local context – taking into account your access to staff, care, and treatment in terms of the availability of local resources. Learn to treat asthma and COPD alongside experts The course is led by RESPIRE at the University of Edinburgh, and the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG). RESPIRE is led by global experts in respiratory disease, while IPCRG is a world network of primary care respiratory clinicians that works to improve respiratory health and CRD best practice. Under their guidance, you’ll come away with increased confidence in your diagnostic skills and your ability to manage the healthcare resources available to you. Course Team: Hilary Pinnock Siân Williams Aziz Sheikh Kamilla Ramdzan Md. Nazim Uzzaman Monsur Habib Aizhamal Tabyshova

Syllabus

Why is Respiratory Health Important?

After a short overview of how to use the platform and an introduction to the course, we will look at the big picture. We will hear from leading experts on the global burden of respiratory diseases and good quality primary respiratory care. Then, we will explore three key papers that outline the growing burden of respiratory disease from a global perspective, and guidance for prevention and management.

Asthma

Starting with a case study of a child who possibly has asthma, we will then look more closely at supported self-management of asthma and how a personalised action plan can help patients to manage the condition. We will learn how to use a peak flow meter and how it can be used to confirm a diagnosis. Then we will revisit the case study to learn more about rhinitis and treating severe symptoms.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

We now look at Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), its diagnosis, and its assessment and management in primary care.

Differential diagnosis

We look at a short case study of a woman with respiratory problems and consider how to reach a diagnosis. Then we explore palliative care and spirituality in the context of low-resource settings.

Improving care in your practice

In this final week, we're going to reflect on what we've covered in the course, help you to consolidate your learning, and discuss how you can use what you've learned in your own practice with pulmonary rehabilitation and practical primary care.