20th April 2023
Studying our COPD diploma course – A case study
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to take a course with Education for Health, now is your chance to find out. We spoke to Jackie Gonzalez, a Practice Nurse, who has recently completed our Principles of COPD for Professional Practice course. In this case study, Jackie shares her experience of studying the COPD diploma course with us.
“Having the diploma helps ensure better care for my patients, hopefully leading to better outcomes“
Pre-course background
Tell us a little about your current role – what do you do and what are the daily challenges you face?
I am a practice nurse with an interest in respiratory. I have the asthma diploma and the COPD diploma was needed.
What is it about healthcare that drew you to your career?
I have been in nursing for 40 years and in practice nursing for 29 years. It has changed so much from when I started. Now nurses are almost junior doctors as our knowledge base and responsibilities keep expanding. I think this is what keeps me in the job – every day is a learning experience.
What was it about the COPD course with Education for Health that appealed to you?
I felt it would consolidate my knowledge base in COPD and provide evidence that I have the skills to carry out review clinics.
The COPD diploma course experience
What did you like most about the course?
I liked the tutor – she was very helpful and the learning materials were very clear.
Did you find the course challenging? If yes, in what way?
I found the academic requirements challenging, I am not from a university environment and the referencing requirements were so different for any I had used before. The tutor was very helpful though.
What skills or knowledge has the course given you that you didn’t have before?
It consolidated my knowledge of the pathophysiological changes in the lungs, which I use when explaining how inhalers help and support.
What has the course enabled you to do differently in your work?
It has enabled me to better support my respiratory patients. I find I can use some of the learning to explain the condition so patients can understand what is happening to them and why even small changes can help them. It helped me to build on my knowledge base for respiratory conditions. Having the diploma helps ensure better care for my patients, hopefully leading to better outcomes.
Considering learning with us?
We offer a range of courses focused on COPD, from introductory level workshops to academic short courses.
- Essentials of COPD: This short CPD-accredited course is designed for practitioners who have recently begun to, or are preparing to, support people with COPD. Led by an active clinician, the CPD-accredited course involves two 2-hour interactive online sessions.
- COPD Online Refresher: This Refresher course enables learners to update their knowledge of COPD and includes a focus on pharmacological treatment strategies, best practice models, COPD phenotypes, supported self-management and national guidelines.
- Principles of COPD for Professional Practice: This diploma level course will equip learners with the knowledge and skills to improve the care of people with COPD in hospital and community settings. Learners will develop further knowledge, essential practical skills and techniques to participate effectively in the care of patients with COPD.
- Enhancing COPD Care in Professional Practice: Accredited by the University of Hertfordshire, this undergraduate-level short course is for health and care professionals focusing upon the assessment and management of the individuals with COPD. The course is taught through interactive online learning and can be studied part-time over a six month period.
Other education, training and support services
- Asthma: Our asthma portfolio includes short CPD-accredited courses such as our Refresher and Essentials courses, alongside diploma and undergraduate degree level courses accredited by the University of hertfordshire.
- Spirometry: We provide four Spirometry courses, so no matter your level of experience there is something suitable. Each course can be started at any time of the year.
- Respiratory: Our respiratory focus includes courses at postgraduate level. A range of modules, including Non-Invasive Ventilation and Respiratory Diagnostics, can be studied part-time over a six month period.