3 January, 2024
A new CME Online module, Exacerbations in asthma: prevention and treatment, is now available on the ERS Respiratory Channel.
This module is directed by Prof. Richard Costello, and co-directed by Dr Sandhya Khurana and Prof. Dr Dominick Shaw.
Asthma exacerbations pose significant risks to patient’s health, quality of life, and healthcare resources. By understanding and effectively addressing the prevention and treatment of asthma exacerbations, healthcare professionals can improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare utilization, and enhance the overall management of asthma. This module provides vital knowledge and skills to ensure optimal care, empowering healthcare professionals to minimize the impact of exacerbations and promote better asthma control.
This module is targeted towards physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, physician assistants, medical students and allied healthcare professionals involved in asthma management.
By the end of the module, participants should have gained the necessary skills to:
- Define and identify the key factors contributing to asthma exacerbations, and differentiate between the various triggers that can lead to asthma exacerbations.
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of an asthma exacerbation.
- Evaluate the severity of an asthma exacerbation using standardized assessment tools.
- Identify appropriate rescue medications and inhaler techniques for acute asthma exacerbations.
- Apply evidence-based strategies for preventing asthma exacerbations in patients.
- Discuss the importance of patient education and self-management in reducing asthma exacerbations. Develop an individualised asthma action plan for patients to facilitate early intervention and prevent exacerbations.
- Describe the stepwise approach to asthma management and the role of controller medications in preventing exacerbations.
- Assess the role of comorbidities in asthma exacerbations and implement appropriate management strategies.