Allied health professionals have a critical role to play in the day-to-day management of patients with asthma and COPD. The NRTC's courses and workshops are designed to develop the skills and confidence needed to perform the following activities in clinical practice.
Level 1 |
NRTC Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, and COPD Workshops |
Activities
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Take structured formal history.
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Check peak flows in the office.
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Teach use of peak flow meter and symptom diary.
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Demonstrate, instruct, and check inhaler technique.
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Teach basic information about triggers and medications.
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Perform spirometry (following Spirometry Workshop).
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Level 2 |
NRTC Asthma and COPD Assessment & Management Courses |
Previous activities +
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Apply guideline criteria to confirm diagnosis and stage disease severity.
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Perform basic spirometry interpretation.
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Consult on/write prescriptions to optimize disease control.
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Educate patients about disease process, triggers, and medications using action plans.
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Identify and respond to signs and symptoms of poorly controlled disease.
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Encourage regular office visits of patients identified with asthma and COPD.
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Level 3 |
NRTC Asthma and COPD Assessment & Management Courses + Experience |
Previous activities +
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Perform full assessment.
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Develop and implement structured treatment plan.
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Organize asthma/COPD clinic within office practice to promote preventive care and decrease urgent care.
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Obtain specialty care for patients with severe or uncontrolled disease.
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Pursue national certification (following Asthma Study Partners).
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Be a community activist. (e.g., Start or join a local coalition)
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