Module Code: HEA3081
Venue: Respiratory Education UK, Aintree
Cost: £ 580
Introduction
This BSc module provides information on aspects of pharmacology such as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. It then examines the major drugs employed to manage respiratory disease and considers practical aspects pertaining to these such as doses and side effects. Detailed consideration is given to drug delivery in respiratory care, and the drugs are considered within the context of expert guidelines for the management of the most common chronic respiratory conditions, asthma and COPD
Module Format
This module will be offered on-line via the University's VLE (making it one of it's kind in the UK)
Aims
This module will enable healthcare professionals to:
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Critically appraise the advantages and disadvantages of administering drugs via the inhaled route
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Critically analyse the use of bronchodilators and corticosteroids in asthma and COPD and propose explanations for their range of efficacies
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Critically evaluate the role of 'add-on' therapies in asthma and COPD
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Juxtapose competing advice and claims from literature and guidelines
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Critically discuss the concept of 'evidence' as it applies to pharmacotherapy
Course Content
The content of the module includes
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Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs
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Advantages/disadvantages of different routes of administration
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Specific drug classes used in respiratory disease (e.g. bronchodilators, inhaled and oral corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, methyl-xanthines)-doses, side effects, contraindications
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Using drugs in asthma and COPD - national and international guidelines
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Common inhaler devices and associated issues
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Add-on therapies in asthma and COPD
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Controversies in pharmacological management of asthma/COPD (LTRA v LABA) at Step 3; use of high dose ICS in COPD; anticholinergic v B2 agonist as initial treatment in COPD; ICS for all asthma patients?
Assessment
1 x 2 hour unseen examination - 2 questions 50% each question
Student support
Comprehensive course materials are provided to students. Tutorial time supports students, with specialist staff always available by either phone, e-mail and on-line. REUK can also advise on funding possibilities and financial support from a number of sources, we encourage students to get in touch
This module can be studied as an independent unit of study or as a module towards either the BSc (Hons) Respiratory Practice
Successful completion results in 20 academic credits at BSc level
Credits: 20
Optional