CPD

• Thrombocytopenia is commonly identified on routine FBC, and bleeding risk is increased in those with moderate or severe thrombocytopenia.
• Patients presenting with active bleeding, thrombosis, haemolysis and/or neurological disturbance require urgent review, investigation and treatment.
• Thrombocytopenias are divided into increased destruction (immune or non-immune) or reduced production.
• Thrombocytoses are categorised by primary bone marrow disorders or secondary reactive disorders.
• Rarely, commonly used drugs lead to quantitative and qualitative platelet disorders and require prompt cessation.
• Bleeding phenotype may be variable in patients with platelet function disorders, and a family history is useful; most will have characteristi

1 in 20 Australians aged 45 and over reported having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2014-2015¹.  

To assist GPs in ongoing management of COPD, guidelines recommend regular assessment of disease severity, based on lung function, symptoms and exacerbation history. The COPD-X guidelines advise a stepwise approach to pharmacological treatment, incorporated with relevant non-pharmacological interventions to maintain good patient quality of life². 

By engaging and completing this education a GP will improve their recommendations for patient care and learn practical strategies for selecting treatments to improve outcomes in patients with moderate to severe COPD. 

You will be required to: