Dragon Respiratory

Breathing Life into Respiratory Education

Dedicated to training healthcare professionals with the expertise and compassion to deliver excellent care across Wales; one breath at a time.

Core Education Programmes

Dragon Respiratory also offers bespoke training packages to support individual, group and corporate learning.

Respiratory Basics for Nurses and AHPs

Duration 1 day / 8 hours

A comprehensive foundation training course on common respiratory diseases, covering anatomy and physiology; investigations; pharmacology and best practice patient care.

  1. Understand the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and explain the function of the different components.
  2. Describe the conditions known as asthma and COPD and recognise the signs and symptoms, triggers and risk factors associated with them.
  3. Discuss the prevalence of these diseases and recognise the impact that they can have on a patient, their carers and the wider community.
  4. Understand the diagnostic pathways for these conditions and explain the processes involved in making an accurate diagnosis.
  5. Recognise the different pharmacological pathways for asthma and COPD (referring to local and national guidance) and understand the importance of non-pharmacological management also.
  6. Describe the different types of inhalers and discuss the importance of correct inhaler technique and how to assess this with patients.
  7. Describe what is meant by an ‘asthma attack’ and a ‘COPD exacerbation’ and identify best practice in their management.
  8. Explain what is involved in an asthma and COPD review to include, lifestyle advice, education, inhaler technique, smoking cessation, air pollution and self-management.

Management of Asthma in Primary Care

Duration 1 day / 8 hours

A more in-depth course for nurses and AHPs on how best to support patients with asthma in primary care. Including diagnoses and management; inhaler technique; health advice and pharmacological treatments.

  1. Understand the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and explain the function of the different components.
  2. Describe the pathophysiology of asthma, signs and symptoms of the disease, associated risk factors and triggers.
  3. Discuss the prevalence and impact this disease can have on a person’s life and consider the wider economic burden.
  4. Be aware of the different phenotypes of asthma and discuss their relevance with regards to the patient’s pharmacological management.
  5. Understand the different types of diagnostic tools used in asthma including spirometry, FeNO , peak flow and blood eosinophils.
  6. Describe pharmacological and non-pharmacological management in asthma and explain what is meant by MART, AIR and SABA overuse.
  7. Describe the different types of inhalers and discuss the importance of correct inhaler technique and how to assess this with a patient.
  8. Discuss the links between asthma, allergy and allergic rhinitis and the ‘one airway’ approach to managing asthma.
  9. Recognise the importance of a self-management plan in asthma, including how to identify and manage an asthma attack and the relevance of the ‘step up’ and ‘step down’ approach in asthma treatment.
  10. Identify the components of a robust asthma review to include, lifestyle advice, education, inhaler technique, smoking cessation, air pollution, self-management advice and risk stratification.

Management of COPD in Primary Care

Duration 1 day / 8hours

A detailed course for nurses and AHPs on how best to support patients with COPD in primary care. Including diagnoses and management; inhaler technique; health advice and pharmacological treatments.

  1. Understand the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and explain the function of the different components.
  2. Describe the pathophysiology of COPD, including signs and symptoms, causes and risk factors.
  3. Discuss the prevalence of COPD and consider the impact this disease can have on a person’s life and the wider economic burden.
  4. Be aware of the different phenotypes of COPD and discuss their relevance with regards to the patient’s pharmacological management.
  5. Describe how COPD is diagnosed and the importance of accurate and reproducible spirometry.
  6. Describe pharmacological and non-pharmacological management in COPD.
  7. Describe the different types of inhalers and discuss the importance of correct inhaler technique and how to assess this with a patient.
  8. Explain what is meant by the term COPD exacerbation and be aware of best practice in its management.
  9. Consider the cardio-pulmonary risk of patients with COPD and other co-morbidities.
  10. Identify the components of a robust COPD review to include, lifestyle advice, education, inhaler technique, smoking cessation, air pollution, self-management advice and risk stratification.

Air Pollution and Lung Health Awareness

Duration 2 hours

Focussing on the impact that both indoor and outdoor air pollution has on our lungs and how to best advise our patients with respiratory disease.

  1. Describe what is meant by the term air pollution and explain the differences between indoor and outdoor air pollution.
  2. Understand the short-term and long-term effects of air pollution on our lung health and recognise which individuals are at greater risk.
  3. Consider how we can raise the importance of air pollution with our patients so that they are aware of the health risks associated with it.
  4. Discuss ways in which we can support patients to become less susceptible to the damaging effects of air pollution.

Building blocks of a Respiratory Review

Duration ½ day / 4 hours

Top tips and advice on how to undertake the most effective Asthma and COPD reviews in the time that you have available, including risk stratification.

  1. Understand the importance of a robust and personalised respiratory review.
  2. Consider the factors that contribute to a good review and how best to overcome barriers in achieving this.
  3. Explain and discuss the key components of a respiratory review.
  4. Be able to access and utilise the right tools to support you and your patient.
  5. Understand what is meant by risk stratification and discuss how you could implement asthma/COPD improvement strategies within your own practice.

Performance of Quality Assured Spirometry (Adults)

Duration ½ day / 4 hours

  1. Describe the basic anatomy and physiology of the lungs and consider the effect that respiratory disease can have on them.
  2. Explain what is meant by the term ‘spirometry’ and discuss some of the terminology used, to include VC, FVC, FEV1 and ratio.
  3. Consider when spirometry might be necessary; discuss the different types of tests available and their relevance to respiratory diagnosis.
  4. Describe the equipment used and the importance of a ‘calibration check’.
  5. Explain how you would prepare a patient for spirometry and the relevance of ‘absolute’ and ‘relative’ contraindications.
  6. Explain what is meant by the terms ‘acceptability’ and ‘reproducibility’ in spirometry and how you can check these.
  7. Be able to identify common errors that occur when undertaking spirometry and explain how to overcome these.
  8. Consider the accountability and delegation around spirometry and the use of local/national guidelines within your practice.

Interpretation of Quality Assured Spirometry (Adults)

Duration ½ day / 4 hours

  1. Describe the basic anatomy and physiology of the lungs and consider the effect that respiratory disease can have on them.
  2. Explain what is meant by the term spirometry and describe the terminology used, to include VC, FVC, FEV1 and ratio.
  3. Be able to distinguish between a normal, obstructive, restrictive and mixed trace and consider how these fit in with the pathology of lung disease.
  4. Identify the flow-volume and volume-time graphs and consider how the shape and size of these relate to lung pathology.
  5. Be able to recognise if results are technically acceptable, to include ‘accuracy’ and ‘reproducibility’ and identify some of the common errors seen.
  6. Be aware of local and national guidelines in relation to spirometry and the importance of quality assurance.
  7. Examine case studies to learn. how the findings apply to the real-life clinical scenarios.

Performance and Interpretation of Spirometry (Adults)

Duration 1 day / 8 hours

  1. Describe the basic anatomy and physiology of the lungs and consider the effect that respiratory disease can have on them.
  2. Explain what is meant by the term spirometry and discuss some of the terminology used, to include VC, FVC, FEV1 and ratio.
  3. Consider when spirometry might be necessary and discuss the different types of tests available and their relevance to respiratory diagnosis.
  4. Describe the equipment used and the importance of a ‘calibration check’.
  5. Explain how you would prepare a patient for spirometry and the relevance of ‘absolute’ and ‘relative’ contraindications.
  6. Explain what is meant by the terms ‘acceptability’ and ‘reproducibility’ in spirometry and how you can check these.
  7. Be able to identify common errors that occur when undertaking spirometry and explain how to overcome these.
  8. Be able to distinguish between a normal, obstructive, restrictive and mixed trace and consider how these fit in with the pathology of lung disease.
  9. Identify the flow-volume and volume-time graphs and consider how the shape and size of these relate to lung pathology.
  10. Examine case studies to learn how the findings apply to real life clinical scenarios.

Spirometry for Health Care Assistants

Duration 1 day / 8 hours

This course includes information on the performance of spirometry; preparation of the patient and the equipment; technical reproducibility; HCSW accountability and recognising/rectifying common errors in spirometry.

  1. Describe the basic anatomy and physiology of the lungs and consider the effect that respiratory disease can have on this.
  2. Consider the role of the HCSW in the performance of spirometry.
  3. Explain what is meant by the term spirometry and discuss some of the terminology used, to include VC, FVC, FEV1 and ratio.
  4. Consider when spirometry might be necessary; discuss the different types of tests available and their relevance to respiratory diagnosis.
  5. Describe the equipment used and the importance of a ‘calibration check’.
  6. Explain how you would prepare a patient for spirometry and the relevance of ‘absolute’ and ‘relative’ contraindications.
  7. Explain what is meant by the terms ‘acceptability’ and reproducibility’ in spirometry and how you can check them.
  8. Be able to identify common errors that occur when undertaking spirometry and explain how to overcome them.
  9. Consider the accountability and delegation around spirometry and the use of local/national guidelines within your practice.
  10. Understand how to document spirometry findings accurately and the importance of confidentiality and GDPR when dealing with sensitive information.

HCSWs involved in the Care of Patients with Respiratory Disease

Duration 1 day / 8 hours

Essential information for HCSWs who will be involved in the supportive care of patients with Asthma and COPD as part of a delegated role. Includes information on basic disease pathophysiology; diagnostic tools; patient education; inhaler technique; accountability and delegation.

  1. Understand the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and explain the function of the different components.
  2. Describe the basic pathophysiology of asthma and COPD, signs and symptoms of the disease, and associated risk factors and triggers.
  3. Discuss the prevalence and impact this disease can have on a person’s life and consider the wider economic burden.
  4. Consider the supportive role of the HCSW in the management of patients with respiratory disease recognising that there are limitations in the scope of practice.
  5. Describe the different types of inhalers and discuss the importance of correct inhaler technique and how to assess this with a patient.
  6. Explain to a patient how to correctly use a peak flow device and complete a 2-week peak flow diary.
  7. Be able to provide health education to patients on matters such as smoking cessation, exercise and healthy eating.
  8. Act as a care navigator, supporting patients to access other health service and support groups.
  9. Be able to recognise ‘red flags’ and when it is appropriate to escalate concerns.
  10. Understand how to document findings accurately, recognising the importance of confidentiality and GDPR when dealing with sensitive information.