Optimising Asthma Management

Level 7 Module - 30 credits

Module Code: 7FHH1085

Optional Module- MSc Respiratory Practice

Module Aim:

The aim of the module is to enable students to critically appraise reasons for sub-optimal asthma control from diagnostic, therapeutic and psychological standpoints.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge and Understanding:

Successful students will typically be able to:

1. Demonstrate critical awareness of a variety of issues which may complicate a diagnosis of asthma.

2. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of one factor influencing asthma control.

3. Explore the importance of patient engagement with their condition and the impact this may have upon control.

Skills and attributes:

Successful students will typically be able to:

1. Critically discuss the steps involved in making a diagnosis of asthma and potential problems in each of these.

2. Differentiate between severe and poorly controlled asthma and analyse differences between the two issues.

3. Critically analyse literature in respect of one factor known to impinge on asthma control.

Module content

The content includes epidemiology of asthma, morbidity and mortality, classification of asthma severity within different guidelines and how severe asthma differs from poorly controlled asthma. The module will enable students to establish a diagnosis of asthma exploring the difficulties associated with history-taking and measurement of lung function testing this area. They will also critically examine the problem of misdiagnosis along with the factors influencing asthma control from physical and psychological standpoints. This will include patient engagement within the decision-making and treatment via e.g. asthma action plans.

This module will examine key issues in some depth, and seeks to encourage students to adopt a more critical and analytical approach to the management of their patients with asthma by considering the potential for misdiagnosis, and where this appears to be sound, to be conversant with possible reasons for poor control and strategies for dealing with one of these in depth.

Module Assessment:

5,000 Word Assignment

Coursework : 100% Weighting: 100%

Within the 5,000 word assignment the student will be expected to explore issues in asthma diagnosis and select one specific aspect to identify how this factor may lead to sub-optimal control. Students may select for example, inhaler technique, asthma action plans or patient adherence.

Attendance requirements:

There are four study days timetabled into this 30 week module.

The module is run on a flexible learning basis supported by comprehensive course materials (including course packs and e-learning modes). Four structured study days will facilitate classroom-based workshops, lectures and discussions. In addition, student participation, interaction and peer support will be facilitated through the use of an electronic platform.

These approaches will enable students to reflect upon existing knowledge and skills, evaluate evidence, develop problem-solving skills and thus develop personal knowledge in this area of respiratory care.