A66 Chronic Condition Management in Primary Care: Training for Health Care Assistants

Course summary

This two-day virtual programme is designed for Health Care Assistants working in UK primary care. The course equips participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to support the monitoring and management of adults with common long-term conditions.

The course covers diabetes, hypertension, chronic heart failure, asthma, COPD, and dementia, focusing on practical monitoring, health promotion, recognising deterioration, and escalation pathways. Emphasis is on the practical HCA role, safe practice within scope, and contributing effectively to the primary care team.

Interactive delivery via Zoom includes teaching, case discussions, and practical demonstrations tailored to online learning.

Who should attend?

Health Care Assistants

Important notes

Includes all course material, evaluations and certificate of attendance.

Cost

Course duration	Course CPD	In-house Course
2 day(s)	14 hour(s)	POA

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Aims / objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Describe the causes and progression of common chronic conditions
Recognise common complications associated with long-term conditions
Undertake or support appropriate patient monitoring in primary care
Provide health promotion and lifestyle advice aligned with national guidance
Recognise signs of patient deterioration and escalate concerns appropriately
Communicate effectively with patients and families, including those with cognitive impairment
Accurately document observations and care provided
Work safely within professional boundaries and scope of practice

Course programme

Diabetes

Overview of Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes
Causes, risk factors, complications
Urine testing and capillary blood glucose monitoring
Recognising deterioration: hypo/hyperglycaemia, foot ulcers, infections
Diabetic neuropathy screening (circulation, sensation, vibration awareness)
Foot care and foot health advice
Health promotion and lifestyle guidance
Documentation and escalation

Hypertension

Causes and complications
Blood pressure monitoring best practice
Health promotion and lifestyle advice
Documentation
Recognising deterioration: severe hypertension, chest pain, neurological changes

Chronic Heart Failure

Causes, symptoms, complications
Monitoring and observation (weight, oedema, breathlessness)
Health promotion and lifestyle advice
Documentation and escalation
Recognising deterioration: sudden weight gain, worsening dyspnoea, fatigue, hypotension

Asthma

Causes, triggers, complications
Peak flow measurement and inhaler support
Health promotion and lifestyle advice
Documentation
Recognising deterioration: wheeze, shortness of breath, poor inhaler response, emergency triggers

COPD

Causes and complications
Observation monitoring (respiratory rate, oxygen saturation awareness)
Peak flow monitoring (where appropriate)
Health promotion: smoking cessation, vaccination
Recognising deterioration: increased dyspnoea, SpO₂ drop, sputum changes, confusion

Dementia

Overview and common types (Alzheimer’s, vascular, mixed)
Communication strategies with patients and families
Supporting carers and maintaining professional boundaries
Recognising deterioration and safeguarding concerns: sudden behaviour changes, delirium, missed medications, functional decline
Documentation and escalation

Course Conclusion & Recap

Key learning points from each condition
Application in practice within HCA scope
Final Q&A and reflection

Led by

TBA