Medications

Objectives:

At the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

  • Identify the use, effects and side effects of common medications.
  • Demonstrate the most efficacious use of respiratory medication devices.
  • Understand the use of medications in the management and treatment of chronic diseases.

Facilitator:

This session may be facilitated by a respiratory nurse, pharmacist or physiotherapist.

Topic Content Resources
Introduction General medication advice. Affordable medicines. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Over-the-counter medicines. Side effects.
Medication overview. – How they work. – Side effects. Bronchodilators. Corticosteroids. Antibiotics. Mucolytics. Vaccinations. Better Living with COPD (Ch 7).
C.O.P.E. Module 2
Examples of medications.
Fact Sheets
Use of equipment and cleaning. Inhalers. Spacers. Nebulisers.
Range of devices and equipment.
Better Living with COPD (Ch 8).
C.O.P.E. Module 2
Technique and Cleaning Inhaler technique and adherence.
Importance of correct technique.
Inhaler device technique videos, fact sheets and instructions
Examples of devices and medication charts :
Management of COPD resources
Asthma and COPD Medications chart
Explanation of inhalers
Placebo puffers
Pharmaceutical device information brochures
Summary and discussion. Problem solving for compliance and side effects. Discussion of specific medication concerns. Examples of a dosette box.
Medication list and instructions.

The Toolkit

Getting Started
Getting Started
Patient Assessment
Patient Assessment
Exercise Training
Exercise Training
Patient Education
Patient Education
Patient Re-assessment
Patient Re-Assessment
Additional Resources
Additional Resources

Endorsed by the following organisations according to their respective approved criteria: