Course Outline
ASHS 472
Concepts in the Management of COPD
This course has been designed as a natural progression for those who have completed the CNAC-approved, TRU Distance Education Asthma Educator Program or have completed ASHS 4710: Client Centred Approach to COPD Care. The course material and assignments will help you establish a solid foundation on the topics of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, assessment and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The assignments for this course include the following:
- self-tests at the end of each unit to help the participant identify areas that may need reviewing or the course facilitator's assistance.
- a written submission of an actual interview with an Oxygen Dependant Client that focuses on the client's illness and disease experience.
- a choice assignment that allows the participant to choose one of the topic areas provided on COPD and its management to research and submit a written paper
There is a midterm and a final exam in this course. Both are delivered through WebCT and utilize a multiple choice format. (eg. choose the most appropriate response for the question/statement posed).
When you have completed this course, you should be able to
- Demonstrate an up-to-date, sound, theoretical knowledge of COPD on such topics as
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Management
- Interventions
- Education
- Outcome measurement techniques
- Prevention strategies
- Assist COPD patients to improve their COPD knowledge and self-management skills involving
- Smoking cessation
- Medication use, action, dosage and inhaled delivery technique
- Early recognition of exacerbations
- Preventative health measures
- Help clients to
- Improve their health and so reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations
- Improve their quality of life and lifestyle by improving physical performance
- Enhance their self image and develop supportive relationships