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Standard Fit to Care

A summary of key skills, knowledge and training for clinicians providing Standard respiratory care.

Download the full Fit to Care document

Skills	Knowledge	Training
Accurately record clinical data and understand its significance, for example: heart rate and rhythm, respiratory rate, pulse oximetry, peak flow rate, blood pressure, carbon monoxide level scoring tools: RCP questions/ACT questionnaire, CAT score, MRC breathlessness score mental health scoring tools Inhaler and NRT delivery techniques, and initiative standard, personalised self-management/action and care plans In-person and remote consultation skills, including basic behaviour change interventions Describe how we breath in good and poor health, providing simple techniques for poor health Provide brief preventative interventions (smoking cessation, vaccinations, physical activity) Support patients to access simple digital resources (where appropriate)	Knowledge and understanding of: commonly used respiratory medication, indications, safety and optimal dosing non-pharmacological interventions and how healthcare professionals can support these the holistic approach to the management of long-term conditions local and national guidance for the management of asthma and COPD social care provision, community services and local initiatives that may help support individuals with, or at risk of, respiratory conditions and other determinants of health Good understanding of respiratory anatomy and function, as well as common respiratory pathophysiology Awareness: that respiratory disease disproportionately affects those who are more deprived that prevention is a core component of care the environmental impact of health and basic principles of greener respiratory healthcare that digital tools may support care	Clinicians working at this level should have basic training in how to: conduct a respiratory review accurately in a well-managed patient living with a respiratory disease identify when care is not optimised identify when there are new features that require assessment Local NHS approved training/in-house training with a suitably qualified professional in the field of respiratory care Ongoing clinical supervision with a qualified mentor working at an advanced or expert level in the field of respiratory care Completion of NCSCT online module 1, an inhaler technique module and person-centred care communication module Basic training in prevention approaches relevant to respiratory disease Introductory training in greener respiratory healthcare principles

Skills

Knowledge

Training

Accurately record clinical data and understand its significance, for example:

heart rate and rhythm, respiratory rate, pulse oximetry, peak flow rate, blood pressure, carbon monoxide level
scoring tools: RCP questions/ACT questionnaire, CAT score, MRC breathlessness score
mental health scoring tools

Inhaler and NRT delivery techniques, and initiative standard, personalised self-management/action and care plans

In-person and remote consultation skills, including basic behaviour change interventions

Describe how we breath in good and poor health, providing simple techniques for poor health

Provide brief preventative interventions (smoking cessation, vaccinations, physical activity)

Support patients to access simple digital resources (where appropriate)

Knowledge and understanding of:

commonly used respiratory medication, indications, safety and optimal dosing
non-pharmacological interventions and how healthcare professionals can support these
the holistic approach to the management of long-term conditions
local and national guidance for the management of asthma and COPD
social care provision, community services and local initiatives that may help support individuals with, or at risk of, respiratory conditions and other determinants of health

Good understanding of respiratory anatomy and function, as well as common respiratory pathophysiology

Awareness:

that respiratory disease disproportionately affects those who are more deprived
that prevention is a core component of care
the environmental impact of health and basic principles of greener respiratory healthcare
that digital tools may support care

Clinicians working at this level should have basic training in how to:

conduct a respiratory review accurately in a well-managed patient living with a respiratory disease
identify when care is not optimised
identify when there are new features that require assessment

Local NHS approved training/in-house training with a suitably qualified professional in the field of respiratory care

Ongoing clinical supervision with a qualified mentor working at an advanced or expert level in the field of respiratory care

Completion of NCSCT online module 1, an inhaler technique module and person-centred care communication module

Basic training in prevention approaches relevant to respiratory disease

Introductory training in greener respiratory healthcare principles

Other Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Training

Diploma module in asthma
Diploma module in COPD
Module in current respiratory-related vaccination
Diploma module in child and young persons’ asthma care
Remote consultation methods
NCSCT Training and Assessment Programme for Smoking Cessation or equivalent
Being part of a respiratory/peer support network (if and where available)

Key considerations

A recognition of one’s own limitations and competencies is paramount. Clinicians require access to an experienced mentor for advice and/or ongoing supervision and reflective learning.
Clinicians should regularly source training updates and consider a reflective CPD journal using real case studies. These can be discussed during clinical supervision to support safe practice and be part of a professional revalidation process where necessary.
Clinicians remain accountable for their own practice and to their regulating body and must work to local and national protocols and guidelines.

PCRS resources available to support you with Standard Fit to Care requirements

Asthma

PCRS provides primary, community and integrated care with a suite of excellent resources to support you to deliver best practice asthma care, in line with BTS/NICE/SIGN guidelines

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fifth leading cause of death in the UK. It's a serious condition which calls for a patient centric approach. The PCRS resources will help equip you with the tools and learning to support people with COPD to live their best life.

Diagnostic testing

Your essential guide to respiratory diagnostic testing from FeNO and spirometry to CRP Point of Care Testing.

Inhaler devices

Inhaler devices may seem simple to use but they are often used incorrectly by patients and healthcare professionals alike.

Tobacco dependency

Tobacco dependency is a long-term relapsing condition. Access resources that will help you to support your patients in their quit attempt.

Health Inequalities

Health inequalities are an exacerbating factor for respiratory conditions and negatively affect patient outcomes. PCRS aims to raise awareness and offers practical resources to help healthcare professionals to mitigate their impact.

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Join PCRS today

Become part of the UK's largest network of dedicated respiratory professionals working in primary, community and integrated care settings