Professional Diploma of Chronic Disease & Conditions

CPD requirements

Fulfils 50 hrs for medical professionals in Australia

Study modes

100% online

Course fee

$1495
Special rates available

Study duration

84 hours
Self-paced

Study medically unexplained symptoms and focus on clinical cases, including long-term conditions in children’s health.

Provide immediate chronic health management and help to prevent and address comorbidities.

With an estimated $38 billion per year spent on care for people with chronic health conditions, learn to optimise patient outcomes with early primary care intervention.

Help reduce the burden of chronic disease, which is the underlying cause of 90 per cent of deaths in Australia and affect about 58 per cent of all presenting patients.

Thyroid conditions

This course begins with the anatomy, role and function of the thyroid gland and outlines common conditions. Primary and secondary hypo and hyperthyroidism are discussed including risk factors, primary causes, symptoms, examinations, investigations, diagnosis, management and complications if untreated. The main types of thyroid cancer are outlined including papillary, follicular, medullary, anaplastic and hurtle cell carcinoma. Risk factors, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, investigations and management are discussed.

Three patient cases outline different clinical presentations and guides the practitioner through each case. Steps include patient history and medications then discusses examinations, investigations, results, whether to scan, management and follow-up. Treatment and monitoring thyroid conditions are long term, even lifelong.

Asthma

This course commences with the description and epidemiology of asthma. The history, pathogenesis and a range of risk factors are outlined. An overview of the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with asthma also includes mimics of asthma symptoms. Diagnosis and management for adolescents and adults including diagnostic tools are outlined then moves to the diagnosis, diagnostic tools and management of asthma in infants and children. Red flags to look for are described. The course concludes with information on thunderstorm asthma, asthma emergencies, acute asthma in primary care, vaccination and lists available asthma resources.   

Inflammatory arthritis

Arthritis is an umbrella term for over 100 diseases and conditions affecting the bones, muscles and joints. More than 30 of these are inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The steps of early assessment and diagnosis are outlined commencing with symptoms, patient history and test options. This information is supported by two clinical cases. The first case considers septic arthritis and the second case discusses polymyalgia rheumatica. Inflammatory arthritis aetiologies are outlined before discussing gout and pseudogout in detail.

The course then considers rheumatoid arthritis covering the facts, aetology, history, stages, tests, clinical features and extra-articular manifestations. A case study is included. Pharmacotherapy, DMARDS, non-pharmacological options and complications are outlined. Information is provided on Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and pregnancy, and RA and vaccination.

Unit five discusses ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis in detail including aetiology, symptoms, investigations, tests to assist with diagnosis, differential diagnoses and management information.

Papulosquamous disorders: Psoriasis, lichen planus and pityriasis rosea

This course focuses on the papulosquamous disorders of psoriasis, lichen planus and pityriasis rosea. The first section of the course focuses on identifying the different types of psoriasis and their distinguishing features. It also explains the nine categories of psoriasis, steps taken to make a diagnosis and outlines treatment options. The next topic focuses on recognising the different variations of lichen planus and pityriasis rosea. It explains the six Ps and skin variants of lichen planus, including selecting appropriate treatment options. The diagnosis, including when to biopsy, and the management of pityriasis rosea is outlined including treatment options. Clinical images are featured throughout the course. 

Osteoporosis

This course commences by describing osteoporosis and related statistics. Bone physiology and determinants of bone density are revisited and modifiable risk factors outlined. Fracture risk factors independent of Bone mineral density (BMD) are outlined and two calculators for assessing fracture risk are included. Recommendations for identifying patients to investigate for osteoporosis and bone mineral density testing are outlined. The management of osteoporosis is discussed from a non-pharmacological, lifestyle and pharmacological perspective. The course then discusses osteoporosis in men including risk factors. The course concludes with focussing on osteoporosis in young people including chronic diseases associated with lowered BMD, assessment and the principles of treatment of osteoporosis in children and adolescents.

Managing long-term childhood conditions in general practice

The primary burden of disease in children and young people has shifted from infectious diseases to chronic conditions. Definitions, demographic and incident data are discussed. Tooth decay is very common in children and information is provided for the medical practitioner encountering this issue. Primary, secondary and tertiary stages of care are listed. The GP role is to listen, support, diagnosis, communicate/educate, coordinate and advocate for the patient and their family. The role of allied health support for the clinician is recognised and discussed. Key consultation strategies and considerations are covered. These include aims, communication, curve balls, breaking bad news, family considerations, non-compliance, medico-legal, child protection, mental health, adolescence and palliation. Consultation frameworks are provided. Following the FAMILY guide, five case examples are provided in managing children with asthma, ASD, school and social media influence, food allergy and spina bifida. Information about the GP’s self-care is mentioned.

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common recurrent adult arrhythmia worldwide. AF is a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia characterised by uncoordinated, irregular, ineffective atrial contractions. Statistics, epidemiology and health concerns are introduced. Pathophysiology and risk factors are outlined before moving into the classification and the relevance of screening. Clinical features, evaluation, diagnostic work-up and a collaborative approach are a focus of course content. Information around AF management includes the CHA2DS2-VASc score and HAS-BLED score tools applied to clinical practice. Oral anticoagulants (OAC) contraindications and comparisons are covered including OAC choices. Decisions between rhythm vs Rate control are considered in depth.

Unexplained symptoms: Symptoms with no firm diagnosis

The aim of this course is to consider patients who have symptoms where it is difficult to make a firm diagnosis, but who still need care, support and in some instances, symptomatic treatment. Content commences with the challenges facing a practitioner when dealing with these patients. These patient presentations are common, and symptoms are variable. Information is provided in how to manage these patients including cultural factors, common symptoms, syndromes, the patient perspective and diagnoses. Information on electromagnetic hypersensitivity is detailed.

A patient centred approach aims to combine evidence-based diagnosis and treatment with what patients’ experience. Six components of patient centred care are outlined. Treatment should aim to establish an effective physician-patient relationship, help develop strategies for coping and encourage patients to lead a normal work/social life. History, examinations, investigations and self-help strategies are discussed. Unit five discusses three patient cases.

A/Prof Nicola Hawley
EXPERT REVIEWER
PhD

Associate Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases)

A/Prof Nicola Hawley is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Disease) and Anthropology at the Yale School of Public Health. Her expertise is in the aetiology and prevention of obesity-related chronic disease in resource-poor, low-income settings. Her research focuses predominantly on Pacific Islander populations, although she has ongoing collaborations in South Africa, Uganda, Honduras, China, Columbia and the US.

Methodologically, A/Prof Hawley employs a life-course approach that utilises cross-sectional, cohort, and randomised controlled trial designs to address questions of causality and identify critical periods of susceptibility. She is a mixed-methods expert and an advocate for community-engaged approaches to research, intervention, and development of health policy.

A/Prof Hawley’s current research focuses broadly on: (1) understanding how maternal and child health are impacted by rising levels of obesity and diabetes in resource-poor settings; (2) determining how innovations in healthcare delivery can impact identification and treatment of obesity-related disease during the perinatal period; and (3) developing interventions focused on pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence to prevent the intergenerational transmission of obesity-related disease.

A/Prof Debbie Kors
MBBS, FRACGP, Masters Family Medicine, DRACOG

Certificate of Family Planning, Graduate Diploma of Medical Education

Associate Professor Debbie Kors is the founder and joint owner of a private teaching general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia. She works there as a general practitioner and GP supervisor of GP registrars and medical students.

A/Prof Kors is a passionate advocate for the profession of general practice. She is a Conjoint Associate Professor in Primary Health Care at the UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie campus and has previously worked as a senior medical educator with North Coast GP Training. In 2010, she was nominated for and won the General Practice Education and Training GP Supervisor of the Year award.

A/Prof Kors holds a MBBS (first class honours), Fellowship of the RACGP, Masters of Family Medicine (clinical), Diploma of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Graduate Diploma of Medical Education and a Certificate of Family Planning.

Dr Christine Ahern
MBBS, FRACGP

Senior lecturer, Sydney University

Dr Christine Ahern has worked as a general practitioner in rural NSW since 1983, often with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her special interests include women’s health and education.

Dr Ahern is a senior lecturer at Sydney University and has previously been the Director of Training for North Coast GP Training. In 2011 she was named the General Practice Education and Training Medical Educator of the Year, a prestigious national award. Dr Ahern holds a MBBS and FRACGP.

Dr Divyanshu Dua
MBBS, FAGE, FRACP

Consultant Medical Oncologist, Canberra Region Cancer Services

Dr Divyanshu Dua has worked as a Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Canberra Region Cancer Services since July 2016. He previously worked as a Staff Specialist in Medical Oncology in rural Victoria.

Dr Dua’s experience and training in medicine and oncology spans across three continents including Asia, Europe, and Australia. He specialises in lung cancers, thoracic malignancies, and genitourinary malignancies. He has a special interest in cancer in geriatric patients and a keen interest in medical services development and hospital management.

After doing most of his physician training in Adelaide, Dr Dua went on to do a clinical fellowship at the Guys Hospital in London in drug development, early phase clinical trials, and thoracic malignancies.

In his spare time, Dr Dua is a sports fan and enjoys watching and playing cricket.

Dr Alice Lam
MBChB, FRACGP

General practitioner

Dr Alice Lam is a general practitioner passionate about evidence-based medicine and education for medical professionals and their patients. She has over 23 years of medical experience in Australia and overseas. Dr Lam graduated from the University of Manchester, UK and practised both as a locum and partner. Since 2008, she has worked as a GP in Melbourne, Australia. Her other interests include digital health, health writing and education for health professionals and patients.

Dr Sharon Sykes
MBBS, BAppSc, FRACGP

General practitioner

Dr Sharon Sykes works in private general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia where she is also a supervisor of GP registrars and of medical students. Dr Sykes served 18 years in the Royal Australian Air Force before becoming a general practitioner. She has a special interest in medical education and has previously worked as a medical educator for North Coast GP Training.

She holds a MBBS, Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Lab Sci) and a Fellowship of the RACGP.

Professional Diploma of Chronic Disease & Conditions

$1495

Meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement
100% online
Flexible start and completion time

ENROL NOW

HealthCert courses have become the standard by which you gauge all others.

Dr K. Abolarinwa

Good courses with excellent speakers. I particularly enjoyed the case study scenarios which helped to integrate the knowledge gained.

Dr A. Tucker

This is the pathway to improve your confidence and evolve into the GP you aspire to be.

Dr S. Shinwari

RACGP Activity Number	ACRRM Activity Number	Activity Title	Education Hours	Performance Hours	Outcome Hours	Total Hours
441352	31082	Diabetes Mellitus	441352	31082	4.5	6	0	10.5
441360	31083	Gastrointestinal complaints	441360	31083	5.5	6	0	11.5
441312	31079	Communication Skills in General Practice	441312	31079	5.5	6	0	11.5
441343	31081	Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)	441343	31081	4.5	6	0	10.5
441329	31080	Congestive cardiac failure	441329	31080	4.5	6	0	10.5
441450	31085	Osteoarthritis	441450	31085	4	6	0	10
441500	31086	Managing the Provision of Chronic Health Care	441500	31086	4	6	0	10
441373	31084	Chronic kidney disease	441373	31084	4	6	0	10
802617	32982	Diabetes Outcome Improvement Activity	802617	32982	0	0	8.5	8.5
					Grand Total	93

RACGP Activity Number	ACRRM Activity Number	Activity Title	Education Hours	Performance Hours	Outcome Hours	Total Hours
549750	31270	Asthma	549750	31270	4	6	0	10
788339	32771	Inflammatory arthritis	788339	32771	5.5	6	0	11.5
404031	28110	Papulosquamous disorders: Psoriasis, lichen planus and pityriasis rosea	404031	28110	4	6	0	10
788767	32785	Managing long-term childhood conditions in general practice	788767	32785	4.5	6	0	10.5
788775	32786	Atrial fibrillation	788775	32786	4	6	0	10
788747	32784	Thyroid conditions	788747	32784	5	6	0	11
447501	31103	Osteoporosis	447501	31103	4	6	0	10
788419	32772	Unexplained symptoms: Symptoms with no firm diagnosis	788419	32772	5	6	0	11
					Grand Total	84

Entry requirements

The Professional Diploma of Chronic Disease & Conditions is for physicians and degree-qualified medical professionals who wish to build on the knowledge gained from the Professional Certificate and Advanced Certificate of Chronic Disease & Conditions and who wish to learn how to improve patient outcomes, especially those patients with chronic health issues commonly seen in general practice. This qualification is the third and final stage of the Professional Diploma of Chronic Disease & Conditions pathway.

The prerequisite for this Professional Diploma course is the successful completion of the HealthCert Advanced Certificate of Chronic Disease & Conditions (or a qualification deemed equivalent). Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.

Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.

Recognised prior learning (RPL)

Participants who have successfully completed the modules on prostate conditions and checks and prostate cancer in the Professional Certificate of Men’s Health, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in the Professional Certificate of Women’s Health, or obesity in the Advanced Certificate of Women’s Health will be granted recognition of prior learning (RPL) for these modules, thereby reducing the cost of this course and the time needed to complete it. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for more details.

Other professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.

Certification

This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, participants will receive the Professional Diploma of Chronic Disease & Conditions certificate and CPD hours.

This certificate course:

Is reviewed by Griffith University to comply with RACGP and ACRRM standards.
Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
Is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).
Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses
endorsed by the RACGP. Points are calculated differently.
Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD hours must be stated on the certificate. Please contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae for more information.
Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.
Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.
Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
Has been independently developed with subject experts and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.

To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.

Pathways

Professional Diploma Pathway

This course is the final stage of the three-part professional diploma pathway. The full pathway is Professional Certificate of Chronic Disease & Conditions, Advanced Certificate of Chronic Disease & Conditions, and Professional Diploma of Chronic Disease & Conditions.

What are the costs and payment options of the course?

Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

What is the Alumni Support Program?

Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.
Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.
Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.
Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.
Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.

How will I receive my certificate?

HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

How long will the course take to complete?

The recommended study duration of this certificate course is 84 hours, which includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

Is this course recognised in my country?

All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.