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 Johns Hopkins University: patient care, teaching and research.
Target Audience
This educational activity is designed for Rheumatologists, fellows, residents, interns, and medical students.
Learning Objectives
After completion of this activity, participants 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 differental 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.
Acreditation 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 one AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Method of Participation
This activity should take approximately 1 hour to complete. The participant should read 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.
Policy on Faculty and Provider Disclosure
It is the policy of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine that the faculty 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). 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
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Rheumatology Rounds User Conference 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.
Disclaimer
All information contained within 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 within this site. Consumers should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something they may have read on this website.
Acknowledgement: We wish to acknowledge the following company that has provided an educational grant in support of this online activity: Centocor
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.
For Further Information:
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Office of Continuing Medical Education
720 Rutland Avenue
Turner Building, Room 20
Baltimore, Maryland 21205-2195
(410) 955-2959 / (410) 955-3169
(410) 955-0807 FAX
Website: www.hopkinscme.net
Email: cmenet@jhmi.edu