Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common condition in primary care, affecting approximately 2 million adults in the United States.1 If RA is left untreated, as many as 80% of affected patients will become disabled and unable to perform many of the activities of daily living.2 Such data have underscored the importance of early identification and treatment. By becoming cognizant of the initial signs and symptoms of RA and being able to distinguish the disease from others with similar symptoms, primary care clinicians can initiate pain-relief therapy early and refer patients to a rheumatologist for disease-modifying therapy in a timely manner.
Treatment of RA has been revolutionized in recent years with the emergence of new pharmacologic agents that not only control symptoms but that may foster remission. However, long-term safety data on these agents are lacking. It is important that primary care clinicians be aware of the mechanisms of action of these agents, be able to prescribe them appropriately, and be aware of preventive measures to reduce risk. As a result, clinicians will be better able to counsel and guide their patients in regard to optimal treatment regimens.
Since both the diagnosis and treatment of RA are complex, a team approach to care is important. A number of recent advances in the understanding of the disease have been made; physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are in a prime position to apply this knowledge to their clinical practice. In addition, these clinicians are integral in initiating lifestyle modifications and physical/psychological therapy, as well as in managing coexisting illnesses. Receiving CME/CE on this common, debilitating, but highly treatable condition will enable NPs and PAs to more effectively work with rheumatologists in proactively assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with RA, and to improve patient health and quality of life.
1. Gabriel SE, Crowson CS, O'Fallon WM. The epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis in Rochester, Minnesota, 1955-1985. Arthritis Rheum. 1999;42:415-420.
2. Song J, Chang HJ, Tirodkar M, et al. Racial/ethnic differences in activities of daily living disability in older adults with arthritis: a longitudinal study. Arthritis Rheum. 2007;57:1058-1066.
Faculty
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Roy M. Fleischmann, MD Clinical Professor of Medicine University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Co-Medical Director, Metroplex Clinical Research Center (MCRC) Dallas, TX |
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Nicole Furfaro, MSN, ARNP Nurse Practitioner Seattle Rheumatology Associates Seattle, WA |
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Rick Pope, PA-C, MPAS Assistant Professor Clinical Coordinator Quinnipiac University PA Program Hamden, CT Senior Rheumatology PA Arthritis Center of Connecticut Waterbury, CT |
Target Audience
Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
Program Description
This 1-hour, Web-enhanced teleconference will provide NPs and PAs with evidence-based strategies that will enable them to better partner with rheumatologists in the identification and optimal management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, the participant should be better able to:
| • | Outline potential benefits of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis and aggressive management |
| • | Review key clinical findings in the physical examination associated with the diagnosis of RA |
| • | Discuss new agents in the pharmacotherapy of RA |
| • | Describe the clinical rationale for why traditional and newer biologics have the potential to improve outcomes |
| • | Summarize the most recent data on the efficacy and safety of the available RA agents |
| • | Describe the pivotal role of the primary care clinician in the overall management of the patient with RA |
Accreditation Statements
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This program has been reviewed and is approved for a maximum
of 1.0 hour of AAPA Category 1 CME credit by
the Physician Assistant Review Panel. Physician assistants should
claim only those hours actually spent participating in the CME activity.
This program was planned in accordance with the AAPA’s CME Standards
for Live Programs and for Commercial Support of Live Programs. Approval
is valid for one year from the issue date of April 2008. Participants may submit
the self-assessment at any time during that period. |
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This program has been approved for 1.0 hour of Continuing Education by the American College of Nurse Practitioners. The American College of Nurse Practitioners is approved as a provider of continuing education in nursing by the Virginia Nurses’ Association, which is accredited as an approver of continuing education in nursing by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Centers’ Commission on Accreditation. |
Disclosure Statements
The American College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) has reviewed and approved this program. The content and the views expressed therein are those of the sponsor and not of the ACNP.
Faculty Disclosures
Roy M. Fleischmann, MD, is a consultant for and receives honorarium and grant/research support from Abbott Laboratories, Amgen, Wyeth, Centocor, and Genentech. Dr. Fleischmann is also on the speaker’s bureau for Abbott Laboratories, Amgen, Genentech, and Wyeth and is a stock shareholder for Abbott Laboratories.
Nicole Furfaro, MSN, ARNP, is a consultant for Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer Inc, and Roche. Ms. Furfaro is also on the speaker’s bureau for Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genetech/Biogen Idec, and Pfizer Inc.
Rick Pope, PA-C, MPAS, is a consultant for Abbott Immunology, Novartis, and Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, and is on the speaker’s bureau for Novartis.
Slides and CME/CE Information
A program book containing the slides being presented during the Webcast/teleconference, along with CME/CE information from the AAPA and the ACNP, post-test, and evaluation form, will be made available as a PDF online at: http://jointdecisionsinRA.com.
Archived Presentation
The presentation will be taped and archived for clinicians who were not able to participate during the live event. CME/CE credits will be provided by the AAPA and the ACNP for the online archived presentation from June 1, 2008 through December 1, 2008 for physician assistants at www.AAPA.org and for nurse practitioners at www.ACNPweb.org.
Obtaining CME/CE Credits
Upon completion of your participation in the live or archived program, physician assistants will be directed to www.AAPA.org and nurse practitioners to www.ACNPweb.org to complete a post-test and receive your certificates.
Successful completion of the self-assessment is required to earn Category 1 CME
credit. Successful completion is defined as a cumulative score of at least 70% correct.
Upon successful completion of the post-test, the AAPA or the ACNP will issue a certificate of completion for your records.
