Masterclass 2 - Making the most of living with COPD
Tracks
1
| Friday, August 2, 2024 |
| 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM |
| Pyrmont Theatre |
| Sponsored By: |
Details
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers respiratory conditions including emphysema, chronic asthma and chronic bronchitis. COPD is characterised by obstruction of lung airflow impacting normal breathing. In Australia, 1 in 13 adults over the age of 40 has COPD, however around 50% of these adults living with COPD are undiagnosed. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that COPD is the primary cause of preventable hospitalisations.
Although COPD is preventable, it cannot be cured. However, effective self-management can limit the impact of the disease and improve health outcomes. Optimal management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should include identification and management of comorbidities.
Pharmacists play an important role in all key stages in the continuum of care for COPD, from screening and early diagnosis to disease statement management through dispensing respiratory medicines and providing patient education to support optimal use of inhaler devices. Pharmacists are well-placed to identify patients at risk of COPD and encourage them to see their doctor for further investigation and diagnosis.
Learning objectives
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Outline screening tools available for pharmacists to identify patients who are at risk of COPD.
2. Discuss the management of COPD.
3. Discuss how pharmacists can support patients living with COPD to optimise health outcomes.
Competency standards: 1.1,1.3,1.5,2.1,2.2,3.1,3.2,3.5,3.6
Speakers
A/Prof Debbie Rigby
Director
Masterclass 2 - making the most of living with COPD
Biography
Debbie Rigby is an Advanced Practice Pharmacist with postgraduate qualifications in clinical pharmacy, geriatrics and respiratory medicine. Debbie is a member of Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Respiratory Community of Special Interest and Respiratory Pharmacy Taskforce, Lung Foundation Australia COPD Advisory Committee and Primary Care Committee, and the International Primary Care Respiratory Group. Debbie is leading the National Asthma Council implementation of Asthma Right Care in Australia and has recently been appointed as the Clinical Executive Lead to NAC. The Lung Foundation Australia honoured Debbie as the 2023 Lung Health Legend.
Debbie conducts Home Medicine Reviews and provides medicines education to pharmacists, nurses, GPs and other health professionals through her company Pharmeducation.
