The Management of Dyspnea course is a collaboration between Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) and de Souza Institute. This course consists of three online modules promoting an evidence-based wholistic approach to dyspnea care. The content and structure of the course is based on CCO’s Symptom Management Guide-to-Practice: Dyspnea and Care Map (algorithm).

The following areas are covered in the course:

• Emotional impact and meaning of dyspnea
• Etiology and pathophysiology of dyspnea
• Incidence and prevalence of dyspnea
• Screening and comprehensive assessment of dyspnea
• Pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to the management of dyspnea including day-to-day strategies to help with shortness of breath

This course is developed with an interdisciplinary focus, suitable for all regulated health care professionals who care for cancer patients.

Course Syllabus

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define dyspnea and explain the etiology of cancer related dyspnea.
• Explain common themes and impacts of dyspnea and explain the importance of a wholistic approach in assessment and management.
• Outline the physiology of breathing and pathophysiology of dyspnea.
• Identify the importance of using evidence based tools to assess dyspnea.
• List risk factors that contribute to dyspnea.
• Explain methods and tools used for screening and assessment of dyspnea (for cancer patients).
• List tests that may be utilized to determine underlying cause(s) of dyspnea.
• List the major non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches for the management and treatment of dyspnea.
• Apply patient education principles to promote patient participation in treatment.

Course Requirement

To receive a certificate, participants are required to complete:

1. Complete a pre-course evaluation
2. Complete all eLearning modules
3. Complete the final exam with a passing mark of 80% or greater
4. Complete the post-course evaluation

Time Commitment: 7 hours

Course Syllabus: View the course syllabus

Eligibility

This course is designed for front line multidisciplinary providers, including family physicians; nurses; and allied health care providers.

Payment must be received before you have access to the course. For more information, please visit our Cancellation & No Show Policy.

Participants can pay for this course online with a credit card, or send a cheque to: