Respiratory Conditions – Extended Knowledge

Course fee: HCPA Standard Member: Fully funded*
Associate/Network Member: £75+VAT | Non-member: £150+VAT 

Two day course at HCPA Campus
Day 1: 10/11/2026
Day 2: 16/11/2026

Two day course at HCPA Campus

This course will teach delegates about some of the most common Respiratory conditions such as: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD and Asthma. It will help them understand the respiratory system, the mechanisms of normal breathing and how COPD affects respiratory function, including the symptoms of emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma. This course also covers risk factors, co-morbidities and managing exacerbations/flare ups. The course also includes some practical tips and techniques on how to help manage breathlessness and to help clear the chest in a person with COPD

This course is aligned with the Workforce Development Pathway under:
• Care or Support Worker – Established in their role with consolidated skills and experience
• Enhanced Care Worker – Delegated healthcare activities and/or condition-specific support

Entry Requirements
Participants must have completed a Care Induction or equivalent and have worked in care for a minimum of 6 months.

Learning objectives:

Day 1
•To have an awareness of how the respiratory system works
•To have an awareness of some of the common respiratory conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Asthma, Interstitial lung disease, Asbestosis and other lung problems
•To have an awareness of the causes and pathophysiology, common signs and symptoms and the management options for a person with COPD
•To have an awareness of the signs of an acute respiratory tract infection (chest infection) or an ‘exacerbation’
•To have an understanding of how to use some of practical techniques to help a person manage their breathlessness

Day 2
•To be confident to help a person to clear their secretions
•To understand aspiration pneumonia, dysphagia and the importance of oral health
•To understand physical observations – look, listen, feel & smell
•To have a good understanding of vital signs – temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure and oxygen saturations
•To be able to practice conducting vital sign measurements
•To have a working understanding of the NEWS score ‘Track & Trigger’ system and be able to use it to determine appropriate management of someone with deteriorating observations
•To be able to communicate vital sign measurements using SBARD
•To have a basic understanding of the signs of sepsis

*Please note: As per our T&C’s, this course carries a fee in the event of non-attendance, non-completion or late cancellation.
Bookings of more than two delegates per site may be amended to allow access to all member organisations at the discretion of HCPA.
Delegates who are late may not be admitted into the training and a cost incurred.