Next month CPPE will release a new focal point learning programme on asthma. Bookings are now open on the website

Asthma is a common condition that affects around 5.4 million people in the UK. Each person’s asthma has different characteristics and triggers, meaning that treatment should be individualised. Pharmacy professionals are ideally placed to support people with asthma, not only with inhaler technique, but also informing them of the aim of the treatment and how medicines can improve their quality of life.

The focal point programme has been developed to provide short, clinically focused sessions that present information and activities relevant for pharmacy professionals working in the community and in primary care. The programme offers participants the opportunity to learn with colleagues and improve services in their practice.

Choice of learning

There is a choice of two types of learning events for focal point programmes:

• Attend a CPPE tutor-led event
• Learn as part of a CPPE learning community.

During the Asthma focal point sessions, participants will consider the definition and diagnosis of asthma, pharmacological treatment recommendations from various healthcare organisations and how to support self-management for people living with asthma. Upon completing the focal point programme, participants will be able to demonstrate how guidelines are used to provide optimum care for individual patients, examine whether a person’s asthma treatment is appropriate and apply medicines optimisation in the context of asthma treatment.

Two elements

The programme consists of two books to work through. The first book provides background information and includes activities to complete before the learning event. Topics covered include pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, pharmacological and holistic treatment options, and directing change. The aim is to encourage participants to identify their learning needs and relate their learning to their area of practice and professional development.

Participants will receive the second book at the event. This book incorporates a case study and clinical vignettes that participants will work through together. The total study time is approximately five-and-a-half hours.

The learning does not include any information on inhaler technique and not all inhalers are covered in the scope of the workshop. It is recommended that participants access local guidelines for information about which devices are advocated in their area.

Over 60 events will take place across the country over the next six months. You can connect with those attending Asthma focal point workshops by using the hashtag #CPPEasthma on Twitter.

For more infomation about the UKCPA visit ukclinicalpharmacy.org