Asthma Management and Education Online

This course recognizes the critical role allied health professionals play in educating and caring for patients with asthma.  Course content conforms with the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) 2007 Expert Panel Report 3:  Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma.

Overview

The Asthma Management and Education course is structured around NAEPP’s “Four Components of Asthma Management.”  Allied Health professionals who complete the course will expand their knowledge of these four components which include:  information on assessment and monitoring, control of environmental factors, pharmacologic management, and patient education. 

Success of the Asthma Management and Education Online Program

Modules

This program contains 12 modules of self-paced study.  Upon completion of the full course nurses and Respiratory Therapists will be eligible to earn 7 continuing education credits from the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC) and the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).

Course Outline

I. Introduction

• Facts about Asthma
• Myths about Asthma

II. Assessment and Monitoring

• Diagnosis and Severity of Asthma
• Measurement of Lung Function

III. Control of Environmental Factors

• Environmental Allergens
• Irritants and other factors

IV. Pharmacologic Management

• Pathophysiology
• Bronchodialator medication
• Anti-inflammatory medication

V.  Patient Education

• Partnership with the patient
• Inhaler and Peak Flow Meter technique

Instructions for First Time Users

To access this free course follow the steps below.  Please print instructions for your reference.

1. www.mylearningcommunity.com 
2. First time users click on the blue “Click here to register” tab located on the left side of the page in the Log In box.
3. Complete the “Create a User” form to create a new account.  The (*) denotes all required items.
4. Create a unique user name and password.  You will need these items to access your account in the future. 
5. To complete the “Group Code” field enter the two letter abbreviation for the state   where you reside (i.e. FL for Florida).  **If you do not reside within the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico please enter INT as your group code.**
6. To complete the “Organizational Code” field enter the letters AAFA.
7. Once the form is completed, click “Submit” located on the bottom right of the page.
8. When the Home Page appears, click on the “Student Desktop” tab at the top of the page.
   1. Select “View All Courses”
   2. Select “Asthma Management and Education”
   3. Select a module from the menu on the left
9. When you have successfully completed all 12 modules and all evaluations click on “View CE Completions” to view and print your certificate.  If you are having problems retrieving your certificate please contact Technical Support at 1-888-360-3300.

10. Respiratory Therapists who successfully complete the course must email the Policy and Programs Assistant, Elyse Gutekanst, at elyse@aafa.org, with their name and date of completion. If a member of the AARC. Respiratory Therapists should also send their license number number to be submitted to the AARC CRCE office.

Instructions for Returning Users

At any time you may exit the course and your work will automatically be saved.

1. www.mylearningcommunity.com 
2. As a returning user enter your unique name and password in the blue Log In box on the left side of the page and then click “Submit.”
3. When the Home Page appears, click on the “Student Desktop” tab at the top of the page.
   1. Select “View All Courses”
   2. Select “Asthma Management and Education”
   3. Select an incomplete module from the menu on the left

Continuing Education Credits

This program has been approved for 7 CE credits by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC) and 7 CRCE hours by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).

For more information or assistance please contact Liana Burns, Educational Programs Manager, at 202-466-7643 ext. 252 or liana@aafa.org

This course is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Indoor Environments Division.