Rheumatology Rounds Online CME Information
Needs
Statement and Overview
Inflammatory
rheumatologic disorders include a variety of conditions such as musculoskeletal
disorders, multisystemic and connective tissue diseases. While most of these
disorders have a low prevalence, the combined burden of inflammatory
rheumatologic diseases accounts for a major cause of chronic disability. Staying
current on patient management strategies can be a
challenge.
Most rheumatologists agree that early intervention is crucial for the successful outcome of rheumatologic disorders. The diagnosis of rheumatologic diseases currently relies primarily on the history and physical examination. Recent advances in imaging technologies and in the serological identification of molecular indicators of disease have resulted in improved test sensitivity and specificity. These technologies have had a tremendous influence on the rheumatologist’s ability to achieve early detection and accurate diagnosis.
Traditionally, therapeutic intervention in rheumatologic disorders has been predominantly palliative. However, disease-modifying drugs have become available for several of these conditions, including corticosteroids, cytotoxic agents, immunosuppressive medications, and combination therapies. In recent years, our increased understanding of the pathogenesis of the rheumatologic disorders has culminated in the development of novel therapeutics – biological agents that offer great hope in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory rheumatologic disorder. Additionally, aggressive immunosuppression combined with stem-cell transplantation has emerged as a new treatment option for patients with certain severe rheumatologic disorders. The manifestations and clinical course of each disease are unique, so that every rheumatologic disorder has its own “window opportunity” for the specific treatment. As a result, identifying the most appropriate treatment and instituting it in a timely manner is essential.
Given
the tremendous opportunity for unique cases and groundbreaking research ongoing
within Johns Hopkins Division of Rheumatology, rheumatology rounds online allows
providers outside Hopkins Medicine access to this educational venue, thereby
maintaining the mission of
Target
Audience
This
activity is intended for rheumatologists,
fellows, residents, interns, and medical students.
Objectives
After
completion of this activity, the
participant should be able to:
- Cite the key clinical features of rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, vasculitis, and otheres.
- Generate a differential diagnosis for clinical problems in rheumatology, including polyarthritis, muscle weakness, fever, multisystem disease/vasculitis, and others.
- Discuss alternatives in treatment/management in different clinical situations.
- Appreciate the importance of early intervention in managing disease and retarding disease progression (function, disability, organ system impairment, radiographic changes).
- Recognize recent advances in basic science and understanding of disease mechanisms.
Accreditation Statement
The
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation
Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education
for physicians.
Credit
Designation Statement
The
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine designates this educational activity
for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ per
session.
Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their
participation in the activity.
Policy
on Speaker and Provider Disclosure
It
is the policy of The
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine that the speaker and
provider disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics
of this educational activity, and also disclose discussions of
unlabeled/unapproved uses of drugs or devices during their presentation(s). The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine OCME has established policies in
place that will identify and resolve all conflicts of interest prior to this
educational activity. Detailed disclosure will be made available on this
site.
Notice
About Off-Label Use Presentations
The
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine/Online
Rheumatology Rounds Enduring Material may include presentations on drugs or devices, or use of drugs or devices, that
have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or have been
approved by the FDA for specific uses only. The FDA has stated that it is the
responsibility of the physician to determine the FDA clearance status of each
drug or device he or she wishes to use in clinical
practice.
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is committed to the free exchange of medical education. Inclusion of any presentation in this program, including presentations on off-label uses, does not imply an endorsement by Johns Hopkins of the uses, products, or techniques presented.
Statement of Responsibility
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine takes responsibility for the content, quality and scientific integrity of this CME activity.
Method
of Participation
This
activity should take approximately 1 hour to complete. The participant should review the objectives and transcript, answer the multiple-choice post-test and complete
an evaluation form online. A score of at least 70% is required to successfully
complete the program.
Certificate of Attendance
To receive credit, please complete the online post-test and evaluation. Passing score is required to obtain a certificate of attendance.
Copyright
Information
All
rights reserved. No part of this activity may be used or reproduced in any
manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief
quotations embodied in articles or reviews.
Disclaimer
All
information contained within The Johns
Hopkins Rheumatology Rounds Online is intended for educational purposes only.
Physicians and other health care professionals are encouraged to consult other
sources and confirm the information contained in
this site because no single reference or service can take the place of medical
training, education and experience.
Consumers are
cautioned that this site is not intended to provide medical advice about any
specific medical condition they may have or treatment they may need and they are
encouraged to call or see their physician or other health care provider promptly
with any health related questions they may have.
Privacy
Statement
The Department
of Rheumatology and the Office of Continuing Medical Education (OCME) at The
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine are committed to protect the privacy
of its members and customers. The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Department
of Rheumatology maintains its website as an information resource and service for physicians, other health
professionals and the public. The
Office of Continuing
Medical Education at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine will
maintain the confidentiality of your personal information when you participate
in a CME internet-based program.
Your information will never be given to anyone outside of the Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine's CME program. The
Office of Continuing Medical Education collects
only the information necessary to provide you with the services you request.
Acknowledgement: We wish to acknowledge Centocor for providing an educational grant in support of this online activity.
For Further Information
Johns
Hopkins University School of Medicine
Office of Continuing Medical
Education
720
(410)
955-2959
(410) 955-0807 FAX
Website: www.HopkinsCME.edu
Email: cmenet@jhmi.edu