Advanced Fit to Care
Key Skills, Knowledge and Training for Clinicians Providing Advanced Respiratory Care
Key Considerations
Clinicians working at this level should be competent in the criteria expected for standard level, plus:
- Advanced clinicians are expected to work as part of a team and, as such, provide education and clinical advice to colleagues responsible for the care of patients living with respiratory conditions.
| Skills | Knowledge | Training |
|---|---|---|
|
Able to review medication and alter/refer for alterations where necessary
|
Specialist knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology with regard to the cardiopulmonary system |
Diploma level module/s in respiratory assessment relevant to practice; asthma; COPD
|
| Able to formulate and review self-management plans with patients and their families/carers, etc | Specialist knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology of both common and less common respiratory conditions | Completed NCSCT Training and Assessment Programme for Smoking Cessation and be on the NCSCT register of certified practitioners |
|
In-depth knowledge of evidence-based treatments for tobacco dependency/to assist smoking cessation attempts as well as common respiratory conditions, both non-pharmacological and pharmacological |
Other Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Training
- Degree level module in respiratory assessment and/or conditions such as COPD and asthma
- Clinical examination skills including percussion and auscultation
- Understanding of possible differential diagnoses for respiratory symptoms such as breathlessness, wheeze and cough (e.g. heart failure, gastric reflux, anaemia)
- ARTP (or equivalent) approved spirometry certificate (minimum in performing test and referring to qualified mentor for interpretation)
- Able to mentor or advise clinicians providing standard levels of respiratory care