FreeCE.com Catalog of Homestudy CE Programs

NS3/4A Protease Inhibitors: Treatment Options for Chronic Hepatitis Genotype 1

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

At the completion of this activity, the participants will be able to understand the epidemiology and basic life cycle of hepatitis C virus and explain the mechanism action, dosing and role of NS3/4A protease inhibitors for chronic hepatitis C. Participants will know how to discuss the role and appropriate duration of use of NS3/5A protease inhibitors for naive and previously treated patients. Participants will also be able to understand the differences between treatment regimens for boceprevir and telaprevir. Lastly, participants will know how to interpret laboratory results to make determinations of treatment duration or futility and recognize and manage prominent adverse events associated with treatment.

An Update on HIV Therapy: Protease Inhibitors for Treatment Experienced Patients

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This program will enhance the pharmacists understanding of HIV therapy and the use of protease inhibitors for treatment experienced patients. The program includes information on pharmacologic treatments, patient counseling and a question/answer period.This program does not fulfill the FL HIV requirement.

Contrast Agents for Diagnostic Imaging - What Pharmacists Need to Know

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Most schools of pharmacy do not cover the area of diagnostic imaging to any appreciable extent in the cirriculum, so very few practicing pharmacists have a high level of comfort when dealing with issues relating to diagnostic imaging. This program provides an overview of clinically relevant information for the imaging-related medications commonly in use. It reviews the safety improvements in new generations of drugs; risk factors and precautions for the reduction of severe adverse reactions; and the significance of diligent patient screening before contrast exposure and appropriate monitoring after exposure.

Fast Facts in OTC PPI's

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

50 million Americans are estimated to have frequent heartburn, defined as symptoms occuring at least 2 days/week. Many of these sufferers experience nighttime symptoms, which are often associated with a higher rate of complications. Many heartburn sufferers see the advice of their pharmacist on how they should best relieve their symptoms, and may express concerns over the safety issues that may arise with their OTC medication. Frequent heartburn can be treated effectively over the 24 hour dosing interval with a once daily PPI given OTC. This knowledge based webinar aims to provide pointers on who is at risk of frequent heartburn, how to recognize symptoms and alarm symptoms, how to decide who is appropriate for OTC PPI treatment, and who should be recommended to see their physician, as well as discussing safety concerns. The webinar is based on a series of frequently asked questions to provide an opportunity to discuss many of key issues relating to the management of frequent heartburn and OTC PPI's.

A Sinister Trinity: The Cyclical Relationship Between Sleep, Pain and Opioids

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide health care professionals with an understanding of sleep dysfunction and pain. After completing this program, participants will be able to recognize the prevalence and impact of chronic pain and co-morbid sleep dysfunction. Participants will then be able to identify and describe the mechanisms responsible for the bi-directional relationship between pain and sleep. Next, the program will provide health care providers to be able to describe the impact of opioid therapy on pain and sleep and assess and diagnose sleep dysfunction in the context of chronic pain and opioid therapy. Finally, participants will know how to manage both chronic pain and co-morbid sleep dysfunction with an appropriate intervention which maximizes pain relief while minimizing sleep related adverse events

Women, Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease-The Trilogy

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This program will promote the need for increased awareness of the cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. Second, this program focuses on methods for health care providers to improve cardiovascular care, and manage medications for cholesterol and other related co-morbidities. Health care providers must understand the potential of currently available treatment options and play an active role in educating patients on their strategies for cholesterol management.

The Pathophysiology and Pharmaceutical Treatment of Gastric Ulcers

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide participants with an understanding of pathophysiological and pharmaceutical treatments of gastric ulcers. After completing this program, participants will be able to understand the pathophysiology, incidence, and prevalence of gastric ulceration. Participants will also be able to list primary symptoms and main risk factors of gastric ulceration. Lastly, participants will be able to identify the most commonly used pharmaceuticals and their potential side effects.

Relieving Frequent Heartburn - Day through Night

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

50 million Americans are estimated to have frequent heartburn, defined as symptoms occurring at least 2 days / week. Many of these sufferers experience nighttime symptoms, which are often associated with a higher rate of complications. Most episodes of nighttime reflux occur during the first few hours of sleep and lead to a broken sleep pattern. This can result in daytime fatigue, affecting quality of life and work productivity. Many heartburn sufferers seek the advice of their pharmacist on how they should best relieve their symptoms. Frequent heartburn can be treated effectively over the 24 hour dosing interval with a once daily PPI given OTC. This knowledge based webinar aims to provide pointers on who is at risk of frequent heartburn, what questions to ask to diagnose heartburn and recognize nighttime symptoms, and how to decide who is appropriate for OTC PPI treatment and who should be recommended to see their physician. The webinar includes a case scenario to provide an opportunity to discuss many of the key issues relating to the management of frequent heartburn with nighttime breakthrough.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - When Bigger is Not Better

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide nurses and pharmacists with an understanding of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). After the completion of the program, participants will be able to define BPH and its causes. Next, participants will know how to describe two minimally invasive treatments for BPH as well as describe surgical procedures used to treat BPH. Finally, health care professionals will be able to identify two medications and their side effects used to treat BPH.

Help for the Pain - The Pharmacist's Role in Treating Fibromyalgia

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Pharmacists can play a key role in alleviating the shortcomings and the misunderstanding about fibromyalgia. They can provide valuable counseling on topics such as lifestyle modifications and treatment options for fibromyalgia. Simple changes can often lead to considerable symptom improvement. Once fibromyalgia has been diagnosed, the pharmacist can provide counseling about managing comorbidities, drug contraindications, and general safety issues.

Understanding and Treating Chronic Pain-Does Gender Matter?

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, often are barriers to improving the pain management of their patients primarily because of their lack of pain-management education and their unfounded fears and biases. Optimizing pain relief is crucial to helping a patient regain control of his or her life. Because pharmacotherapy plays a prominent role in treating chronic pain, it is also a perfect opportunity for the pharmacist to be involved. This program will satisfy the education need by creating a program for pharmacists that will enhance their understanding of chronic pain, the gender gap, pharmacotherapy, counseling points, and information needed to work with the patient to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

Combination Antiretroviral Treatment Options: The Advent of Fixed-Dose Regimen Simplification

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide nurses and pharmacists an understanding of antiretroviral treatments. After completing the program, participants will be able to identify the CD4 counts and viral load levels that indicate the need for treatment initiation or revision. Secondly, participants will be able to outline the roles of resistance and adherence in selecting appropriate combination regimens. After completing the program, health care providers will also be able to describe which combinations are preferred agents and for whom. Lastly, participants will be able to differentiate the use of fixed-dose formulations from antiretroviral regimens with high pill burdens, including a discussion of where the newest agent, Complera, might fit into a treatment plan.

Current Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide participants with an understanding current management methods and strategies for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. After completing this program, pharmacists and nurses will be able to describe Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and its potential adverse consequences to the mother and the baby. Pharmacists and nurses will be able to know to review the new criteria recommended by the American Diabetes Association for the diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and identify the current therapy recommendations for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Pharmacy technicians will be able to in general terms, describe the signs and symptoms of Gestational Diabetes. They will also be able to outline the potential adverse consequences of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus to the mother and baby.

The Pathophysiology and Pharmaceutical Treatment of Atherosclerosis

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide participants with an understanding of pathophysiological pharmaceutical treatments of atherosclerosis. After completing this program participants will be able to describe the etiology and epidemiology of atherosclerosis and identify the risk factors associated with atherosclerosis. Participants will also know how to compare and contrast the pharmaceutical treatments for the major risk factors associated with atherosclerosis.

Inside the Unknown World of Autism

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Currently, one in 150 live births leads to a child with a condition that is a part of the autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). While nonpharmacologic therapy is imporant for these patients, there are a number of pharmacotherapy options for the treatment of symptoms of ASD. This presentation will focus on the facts, the common myths, and the pharmacologic options for ASD.

Treatment Options for Pneumonia Across the Age Spectrum

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide participants with an understanding of pneumonia in a variety of age groups as well as the risks each of those groups suffer. After completing this program, participants will be able to identify the most likely pathogens that cause pneumonia. Participants will also be able to describe the appropriate antibiotic treatment for pneumonia in the following age groups: newborns, infants/toddlers/preschoolers, school age children, teens, adults, and seniors.

The Mind is Willing, but the Body is Weak: Managing Chronic Pain in the Baby Boom Generation

Sun, 01 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This interactive, knowledge-based program will assist pharmacists in understanding facets of chronic pain experienced by the aging and the benefits of alleviating the pain as their bodies continue to change. It will also enhance their knowledge of available treatment options for those patients under these conditions. The program includes information on pharmacologic treatments and patient counseling.

Treating Health Conditions During Pregnancy: Safety of Nonprescription Agents for Upper Respiratory and Gastric Complaints

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide participants with an understanding of health conditions during pregnancy. After completing this program, participants will be able to discuss over-the-counter treatment options for the most common cold and allergy symptoms experienced during pregnancy. Participants will also know how to provide safe treatment options in the antacid and H2 receptor antagonist drug classes for reflux, specifying in the safest timing of use to minimize teratogenic risks. Lastly, participants will be able to prepare a list of OTC agents for constipation that are not preferred during pregnancy and use drug mechanisms and adverse event data to explain your reasoning.

The Pathophysiology and Pharmaceutical Treatment of Gout

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide pharmacists and nurses with an understanding of the pathophysiology and pharmaceutical treatment of gout. After completing this program, participants will be able to understand the prevalence and incidence of gout. Participants will also be able to list pathophysiology, primary symptoms and main risk factors. Lastly, participants will be able to identify the most commonly used pharmaceuticals and their potential side effects.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy - A Painful Complication

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Neuropathy is a common microvascular complication affecting nearly 50% of patients with diabetes. Complications from diabetic neuropathy account for 50% to 75% of nontraumatic amputations. The total annual cost of diabetic neuropathy and its complications in the United States is estimated to be between $4.6 and $13.7 billion. Pharmacists in all healthcare settings play an important role in the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Understanding and Managing Epilepsy

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which clusters of nerve cells in the brain sometimes signal abnormally. This disorder affects about 2.7 million Americans, and results in an estimated annual cost of $15.5 billion in medical costs and lost or reduced earnings and production. People of all ages are affected, but particularly the very young and the elderly. For epilepsy, understanding the disorder and behaviors associated with it is imperative. The pharmacological approach to this disorder is specific and may require special attention. This program is designed to assist pharmacists in reviewing the facets of the condition of epilepsy, as well as the benefits of controlling episodes with medications. Their knowledge of available options for epileptic patients will be enhanced. The program includes information on pharmacologic treatments, drug interactions, patient counseling, and a question/answer period.

Women Survivors: Chronic Pain Continues after Breast Cancer

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This knowledge based program will assist pharmacists, technicians, and nurses in understanding facets of the chronic pain felt by women who have survived breast cancer, and the benefits of alleviating the pain during this process. It will also enhance their knowledge of available options for those patients under these conditions. The program includes information on pharmacologic treatments, patient counseling.

Classes of Medication for Depression and Key Counseling Points

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The role of pharmacists in the treatment of depression can be a key role. Pharmacists must understand not only the etiology of depression, but also the available treatment options. These treatment options include: standard doses, possible side effects, off-label uses of medications, medical emergencies, and educating patients and their families about common medications and treatments. After completing this program, participants will be able to review the etiology of depression including current thinking about causes of depression as well as review how mental health providers assess patients in order to optimize the best chance of medication compliance. Next, participants will be able to assess the current treatments for depression, including non-pharmacological treatments and the side effects of common anti-depressants in order to provide patients with this information.

Medication Errors, Public Safety and Protecting Your License

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

According to the Food and Drug Administration, medication errors cause at least one death every day and injure approximately 1.3 million people annually in the United States. Medication error morbidity and mortality costs are estimated to run $77 billion dollars per year. Patient safety is a major public health concern. PharmCon recognizes the importance of this issue. This knowledge-based program emphasizes and promotes public safety, continuous monitoring for accuracy in dispensing, reliability in the transmission of prescription and medication orders, and continuous review and upgrade of pharmacy operating systems.

OTC-ORAL: A Review of Over-the-Counter Oral Dosage Forms

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide pharmacists, technicians, and nurses with an overview of OTC medications and identify techniques for OTC counseling and patient consultation. The goal of this program is to educate fellow healthcare professionals regarding the selection process of appropriate over-the-counter medications.

Managing Postprandial Glucose

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Pharmacists are often the medical professional that patients reach out to for the latest in drug information. With all the new products available for diabetes, it is very difficult for the pharmacist to keep up with the latest advances in medication. In addition, the newer medications require more explanation than in the past. This continuing education course gives the pharmacist a solid knowledge base to enlighten the patients on these new therapies with an emphasis on methods to help the patient control postprandial glucose.

I've Got a Secret: Identifying and Treating Urinary Incontinence in the Elderly

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I’ve got a secret …Or keeping her secret should not be Maxine’s first and foremost concern when out shopping with the grand kids. When she visits the pharmacy in search of adult incontinence briefs, are you ready to help her with her bladder control issues? As frontline providers, pharmacists can help patients cope with this debilitating and embarrassing disorder. This program will educate pharmacists on barriers to diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence, treatment options and strategies to engage and to counsel patients about urinary incontinence

Risks Associated with Testosterone Replacement Therapy: A Safety Review

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This program is designed to assist pharmacists, nurses, and nurse practitioners to better understand the potential risks associated with testosterone replacement therapy. Health care professionals will be updated on available testosterone treatment therapies. The program includes information on pharmacologic treatments, drug interactions, patient counseling, and safety risks.

Medication Error Reduction Perspectives From Two States With Legal Case Analysis -LAW-

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The pharmacy profession has had no choice but to respond to public concern about the errors committed by pharmacists. Although errors are normal and are present in every profession, pharmacy has been the subject of intense scrutiny for the past decade, and the need to open up under scrutiny has challenged pharmacists to put their best feet forward. There are certainly many reasons for pharmacy error that exist well outside the individuals who practice pharmacy and the places where they practice. But laying the blame on third party programs that provide woefully inadequate reimbursement, prescribers who communicate unclearly, or patients who refuse to accept responsibility is beside the point. Pharmacists must themselves step up to the plate and offer solutions that are within their control.

As a profession, pharmacists speak from a regulatory perspective through their boards of pharmacy. In most states the regulatory agency responsible for pharmacists does more than licensing; it establishes standards for pharmacist practice and for the maintenance of a pharmacy practice site. It is through this self-governing regulatory agency that pharmacists can best show the public that patient care is the most critical concern to the profession, and that the standard is pharmacy is not just to protect public health but to promote public health.

In this program, the responses of two states to the problem of pharmacy error are highlighted. The two states are Florida and Washington. But these two case studies could be stories from any state, because there is no reason to think that pharmacy differs greatly in any of the 50 states. What is important about the experiences in these states is not that they are perfect. They do not necessarily serve as a model for all other states to follow. But they do provide useful information about pharmacy error, and they also describe how pharmacists can collectively learn from errors of the past and improve practices in the future. Get the best information from this knowledge based article.

Modifying the Progression of Atherosclerosis

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will review recent developments in the understanding of how statins modify the progression of atherosclerosis, describe the clinical benefits and limitations of statin therapy and outline the clinical evidence that has shaped today’s concepts of cholesterol management. The pharmacist must understand the potential of currently available therapies (along with their probable results and possible side effects) and play an active role in educating patients on their strategies for modifying the progression of atherosclerosis.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This program will assist pharmacists in understanding facets of the debilitating effects MS has on its patients,and the challenges of treating and counseling its victims. It will also enhance their knowledge of available options for those patients suffering from these conditions. The program includes information on pharmacologic treatments and patient counseling.

Florida Approved - HIV /AIDS Treatment Update

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) was first reported in the United States in 1981 and has since become a major worldwide epidemic. AIDS causes HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). By killing or damaging cells of the body's immune system, HIV progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. People diagnosed with AIDS may contract life-threatening diseases called opportunistic infections, which are caused by microbes such as viruses or bacteria that usually do not make healthy people sick. The CDC estimates that as many as 950,000 Americans may be infected with HIV, one-quarter of whom are unaware of their infection.

Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Schizophrenia is an often-misunderstood illness. Even those who have it do not totally understand the natue of their condition, so it can be a confusing, terrifying experience. Patients stricken with schizophrenia and their families often seek advice from their community pharmacist. In order to effectively counsel patients affected by schizophrenia, pharmacists should have a greater insight into the condition and the treatment options available for the management of schizophrenia. The program includes a review of signs and symptoms, an update of currently available treatment options for schizophrenia and strategies to educate patients and family members on drug treatment and the long-term medication and adherence problems commonly encountered

The Development and Treatment of Hypothyroidism

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide health care providers with the development and treatment of hypothyroidism. At the completion of this activity, the participant will be able to explain the basic thyroid structure and function outline the risks and causes for the development of hypothyroidism. Participants will also know how to describe how hypothyroidism develops, what constitutes a diagnosis of the condition, as well as explain the risks and benefits of medications for thyroid disease. Lastly, participants will know how to describe the potential side effects and considerations of prescribing medications for hyperthyroidism.

The Role of the Pharmacist as 'Gate Keeper' to the Appropriate Use of OTC PPI Therapy in Frequent Heartburn

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

50 million Americans are estimated to have frequent heartburn, defined as symptoms occurring at least 2 days a week. Probably the best way to manage these patients is with a proton pump inhibitor, which can be purchased OTC. Often heartburn sufferers seek the advice of a pharmacist on how they should best relieve their symptoms. This knowledge-based webinar aims to provide helpful pointers on who is at risk of frequent heartburn, what questions to ask to diagnose the condition, and how to decide who is appropriate for OTC PPI treatment and who should be recommended to see their physician. To help bring this into a real work perspective, there is a case scenario built into the presentation which provides the opportunity to discuss many of the key issues relating to the management of this common condition.

Using Behavioral Approaches to Bladder Care and Making Anticholinergics Work More Effectively

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide pharmacists and nurses with an understanding the use of behavioral control to regulate bladder and methods in making anticholinergics more effective. After completing this program, participants will be able to understand the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) and define urinary incontinence (UI). Next, participants will know how to describe the symptoms of OAB and understand the taboo nature of the topic of UI and the importance of physician education to enhance care. Lastly, participants will be able to determine methods of treatment for UI in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and understand the relevance of combination therapy for OAB symptoms.

Treating Chronic Pain While Preventing Abuse and Diversion of Prescription Opioids

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Healthcare providers and pharmacists in particular must ensure that they have appropriate control measures in place to minimize abuse and diversion of prescription drugs. Dispensing procedures without control and professional caution are an invitation to the drug abuser. Proper controls can be accomplished by following common sense, sound professional practice, and proper dispensing procedures. In addition, pharmacy staff should have knowledge of these safeguards, as it will help prevent and protect the pharmacy from becoming a source of diversion. This program will provide pharmacists with an overview of opioid pain medication and identify the signs of abuse and diversion that can occur with patients, family or friends. The program will emphasize the role of the pharmacist in intervening and educating patients to prevent abuse and diversion while optimizing pain management

Medicinal Fibromyalgia Treatments, Contradictions, and Side Effects

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide health care providers with medicinal fibromyalgia treatments, contraindications, and side effects. At the completion of this activity, the participants will be able to describe the etiology and epidemiology of fibromyalgia. Participants will also be able to outline the American College of Rheumatology criteria for the classifications and diagnosis of a patient with fibromyalgia. Lastly, participants will know how to identify at least three current FDA approved pharmaceutical therapies used for fibromyagia to include their contraindications and side effects.

An Overview of Psoriasis: The Etiology, Common Triggers, and Current Treatment Options

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide participants with an understanding of the etiology, common triggers, and current treatment options for psoriasis. After completing this program, health care professionals will understand the etiology of psoriasis and describe the five types of psoriasis and common signs and symptoms of the disease. Next, they will be able to explain typical outbreak triggers experienced by patients with psoriasis. Finally, participants will know how to discuss current treatment options based on the severity of psoriasis.

Empowering the COPD Patient: Current Treatments and Medication Adherence Optimization

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Currently there are an estimated 10 million U.S. adults with physician-diagnosed COPD. Data suggests that approximately 24 million U.S. adults have evidence of impaired lung function, indicating that COPD is significantly under diagnosed. While COPD is not cureable, early diagnosis, proper treatment, and patient adherence can slow the progress of the disease. As an under diagnosed condition with low adherence rates, COPD is a very treatable condition that can be managed with effective training. For the COPD patient who is diagnosed and enrolled in a treatment plan, the pharmacist can open the maintain an ongoing dialog to ensure proper use of inhaler and other medications.

Understanding and Treating Acute Coronary Syndrome

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Pharmacists can make a difference in the management and treatment of acute coronary syndrome. This program will educate healthcare providers on ACS treatment guidelines, provide an update on pharmacotherapy, and the challenges associated with ACS treatment so they can more comfortably respond to patients and providers in their role as pharmacist.

Seeing the Truth About Childhood Schizophrenia

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This program is designed to assist healthcare professionals in reviewing the facets of childhood schizophrenia, as well as the benefits of managing this disorder with medications. Their knowledge of available treatment options for children with schizophrenia will be enhanced. The program includes information on pharmacologic treatments, drug interactions, and patient counseling.

The Pharmacist's Role in Treating Bipolar Disorder

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pharmacists can play a pro-active role in the treatment of bipolar disorder and the adherence problems associated with the illness. Pharmacists must understand the underlying condition, potential of currently available treatment options (along with their probable results and possible side effects) and understand the need to educate patients and family members on drug treatment strategies and the long-term medication and adherence problems commonly encountered with bipolar patients.

Conquering Major Depressive Disorder in Rural Communities - The Pharmacist's Role

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Major Depressive Disorder is a condition characterized by one or more Major Depressive Episodes without a history of manic, mixed, or hypomanic episodes. MDD is a major mental health condition, with statistics proving that completed suicide occurs in up to 15% of individuals with severe cases! Major Depressive Episode can be conquered! With correct intervention, up to two-thirds of these cases may completely recover. This program is designed to assist pharmacists review the facets of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), especially in rural areas of the United States, as well as the benefits of managing this disorder with medications. Their knowledge of available treatment options for victims of MDD will be enhanced. The program includes information on pharmacologic treatments, drug interactions, patient counseling, and a question/ answer period.

Vitamin D Benefits for Bones and Beyond: New Dosage Recommendations and Potential Uses

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide participants with an understanding of new dosing and uses of Vitamin D supplements for bone health and related fields. After completing this program, pharmacists and nurses will be able to identify adequate intake Vitamin D dosages for appropriate patient populations by age for bone health. Participants will also know how to describe symptoms indicative of low and high Vitamin D levels. Lastly, participants will be able to review the potential dosages and beneficial effects of Vitamin D supplementation on cancer and heart diseases. After completing this program, pharmacy technicians will be able to in general terms, describe the potential beneficial effects of Vitamin D on bond health, cancer, and heart disease.

Treating Breakthrough Cancer Pain - What Pharmacists Need to Know

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Pain is one of the most common, yet misunderstood and feared symptoms of cancer. Breakthrough cancer pain when left untreated significantly impacts quality of life. The treatments available for breakthrough cancer pain require health care providers and pharmacists in particular to pay strict attention to REMS process set up by pharmaceutical companies. This program will enhance the pharmacists' understanding of breakthrough cancer pain, provide pharmacists with an overview of the pain medications available for opioid tolerant cancer patients with breakthrough cancer pain, describe the REMS processes, delineate strategies, and mitigate the risk of abuse and misuse of these pain medications.

Parkinson's Disease Treatment

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide health care providers with Parkinson's Disease treatment. At the completion of this activity, the participant will be able to describe Parkinson's Disease and list drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. Participants will also be able to describe the pharmacological management of each drug used in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. Lastly, participants will know how to explain the mechanism of action, toxicities, and pharmacokinetics of drugs used to treat Parkinson's Disease.

Emily's Act: An Impact on Public Safety and Medication Errors -LAW-

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Emily Jerry was nearly ready to go home from a Cleveland hospital. The grapefruit-size tumor in her abdomen seemed gone, and the 2-year-old was getting one last round of chemotherapy just to make sure. Instead, a medication error killed her. A pharmacy technician mixed Emily's chemotherapy drug with a saline solution 26 times above normal. The pharmacist-on-duty was eventually convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Join us in reviewing the facts of this case that has nationwide impact and is the cause of significant changes in the pharmacy profession. Attention Florida Pharmacists & Technicians: This one hour presentation does not satisfy the medication errors requirement for the State of Florida.

Treating Parkinson's Disease: A Pharmacist's Update

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The goal of this program is to supply program participants with up-to-date information on the epidemiology, etiology, and pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease. Participants will also gain knowledge on the symptoms and comorbidities of Parkinson's disease and currently available treatment options.

Phantom Limb Pain & Phantom Limb Sensations

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide pharmacists and nurses with an understanding of the prevalence and incidence of phantom limb pain and phantom limb sensations. After completing this program, participants will be able to recognize the prevalence and impact of PLP and PLS on amputation patients. Participants will know how to identify and describe the psychological physiological mechanisms that are currently believed to be responsible for producing PLP and PLS. Participants will also know how to assess and distinguish between PLP and PLS, as well as synthesize a timely and appropriate diagnosis. Lastly, participants will be able to improve adherence to evidence-based clinical guidelines for the management of troublesome PLP and PLS in practice.

Medication Treatment Alternatives for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This knowledge based activity will provide an extensive overview of the pharmacological therapy of the associated behaviors of the autism spectrum disorders. The program will provide a brief review of information related to the pervasive development disorders. The focus will then shift to the analysis of available literature for the pharmacotherapy of the associated symptoms.

Fibromyalgia, It's Treatment, and What the Pharmacist Should Know

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide pharmacists and nurses with an understanding of a pharmacist’s role in the management of fibromyalgia. After completing this program, participants will be able to describe at least three unique characteristics, at least three symptoms, and three physical signs of fibromyalgia. Participants will know how to explain at least three classes of medications, at least two investigational classes of treatments, and at least nonpharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia. Lastly, participants will know how to describe the importance of patient education in the management of fibromyalgia, describe the prognosis of patients, and describe a stepwise approach to managing fibromyalgia.

Immunizations: An Update on HPV, Pneumococcal, and Shingle Vaccinations

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The world of immunizations is quite controversial. There are many concerns about who should receive certain vaccines, and any side effects that are attributed to them. This program will go over several different vaccines, and hopefully put to rest some common misconceptions associated with them. This knowledge based program will give healthcare providers the tools needed to create a successful immunization niche.

The Use of Herbal and Dietary Supplements in the Treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 & 2

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The goal of this continuing education article is to describe the use of herbal and dietary supplements in the treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2. At the completion of the article, participants will be able to define the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus as well as define common prescription medications for the treatment of herpes simplex virus. Participants also be able to describe common herbal and dietary supplements for the treatment of herpes simplex virus.

Discriminating Facts - Chronic Pain and Women

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, are often barriers to improving pain management of their patients primarily because of their lack of pain-management education and their unfounded fears and biases. Women are more likely than men to experience bias in treatment. Optimizing pain relief is crucial to helping a patient regain control of his or her life. Because pharmacotherapy plays a prominent role in treating chronic pain, it is also a perfect opportunity for the pharmacist to be involved. This program will satisfy the education need by creating a program for pharmacists that will enhance their understanding of chronic pain, identify the gender gap, pharmacotherapy, counseling points and information needed to work with the patient to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

COPD with a Focus on the Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment Options

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide nurses and pharmacists with an understanding of COPD treatment options as well as its epidemiology and pathophysiology. After completing this program, participants will be able to describe the etiology and epidemiology of chronic bronchitis and emphysema in the United States, and worldwide. Next, participants will know how to describe the differences in the mechanism of action between β2 adrenergic agonists, methylxanthine, anticholinergic agents, and leukotriene modifiers. Participants will also be able to describe the benefits of long-acting bronchodilators, short-acting bronchodilators, short acting anticholinergic bronchodilator, long acting anticholinergic bronchodilator in COPD management. Lastly, participants will know how to identify the role of antimicrobial therapies in the management ofacute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Opioid and Opioid Rotation - What Pharmacists Need to Know

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Because of their knowledge of opioid medications, pharmacists can provide valuable information on the most appropriate opioid for pain management and perform a comprehensive review of past and current pharmacologic interventions. There are so many reasons why switching from one opioid analgesic to another may be necessary and helpful, yet safely doing so appears to involve as much clinical art as science. This can make healthcare providers and their patients justifiably nervous, and may be a prime reason why opioids are not prescribed appropriately. What can practitioners do? This knowledge based activity will use case studies and examples to educate healthcare providers on opioid rotation and dose conversions.

A Review of Pathophysiology and Medicinal Treatment Options of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered the most common chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, occurring in 1 to 2% of the worldwide population1-4 However, certain ethnic groups such as Native American Indians (Pima and Chippewa) report a higher incidence, reaching approximately 5%. 1,2,5 The hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis consists of synovial joint inflammation, leading to bone and cartilage destruction. Extra-articular manifestations, including rheumatoid nodules, vasculitis, lymphadenopathy, cardiopulmonary disease and eye inflammation, may also occur.1,3 While the exact etiology is unknown, genetic predisposition in combination with environmental triggers are theorized to increase the risk for rheumatoid arthritis. Incidence increases throughout life, affecting women two to three times more often than men. Early aggressive treatment to manage symptoms and slow disease progression include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), adjunctive non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and corticosteroids, physical therapy, exercise and rest.1-4 This article focuses on the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis, current medicinal treatment options, and side effects.

Diabetes and Dyslipidemia - What About Statins

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

After completing this program, pharmacists will be able to review the recent developments and outline the clinical evidence that has shaped today’s concepts of cholesterol management in diabetics. Participants will then be able to outline the benefits and limitations of statin therapy in diabetics to include mechanisms of action, efficacy, dose and side effects. Lastly, participants will know how to describe the pharmacist’s role in counseling diabetes patients on lifestyle changes, drug treatment strategies and medication adherence to improve the quality of life.

Take a Deep Breath: A Review of Medications Used for Asthma and COPD

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

For most of us, taking a deep breath is a way to relax or calm down. But for those with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, taking a deep breath is often terrifying, and sometimes impossible. Fortunately, there are a plethora of medications that can be used to help these patients breathe a little easier. This monograph will offer insights into the pharmacological treatments for both asthma and COPD.

A Clinical Update in Diabetes Management

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Approximately 24 million Americans have diabetes, and an additional 50 million or more people have "pre-diabetes". Due to the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus, it's not surprising that therapeutic advances in the management of diabetes are a healthcare priority in the United States. Participants in this presentation will learn about new drugs approved for the management of diabetes (e.g., saxagliptin, liraglutide), and news about medications currently available to treat diabetes (e.g., new developments with exenatide, cancer risk with insulin, labeling changes with insulin secretogogues, and the thiazolidinedione controversy). Medications in the pipeline for the management of diabetes will also be discussed. Participants will also learn about updated information concerning therapeutic goal setting for patients with diabetes, and how recent research has influenced this important part of practice. Last, participants will review updated medical management guidelines for Type 2 diabetes mellitus from the American Diabetes Association and other groups.

HIV Diagnosis & Treatment - A 25 Year Journey - FL Approved -

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since 1981. That’s about half as many deaths as in World War II. And it's not over. 1.1 million Americans are among the 33 million people now living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. This knowledge based program will educate pharmacists on HIV treatment principles and current guidelines for use of antiretroviral therapy so they can more comfortably respond to HIV patients and providers in their role. The program includes information on pharmacologic treatments, patient counseling, and a question/answer period

This program is approved for by the Florida Board of Pharmacy to meet HIV/AIDS requirements in the state of Florida.

Therapies for Obesity Management

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide participants with an understanding of obesity management and treatment. After completing this program, participants will be able to describe pathophysiology, epidemiology, and public health impacts of obesity. Participants will be able to recognize the causes and complications of obesity and identify nonpharmacological and pharmacological approaches to obesity management. Lastly, participants will know how to describe the mechanism of action of drugs used for obesity treatment and the adverse effects of medications used to treat obesity.

Sex Differences in Pain and Analgesia

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide pharmacists and nurses with an understanding of pain and analgesia with respects to gender. After completing this program, participants will be able to recognize the female preponderance for most chronic pain conditions and identify and describe the divergent mechanisms which drive sex differences in pain and analgesia. Participants will also know how to evaluate the impact of specific biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors that influence sex differences in pain perception. Lastly, participants will be able to better understand how and why females react differently than males to opioids and other analgesics.

Current Prevention and Treatment Strategies for Influenza

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and nurses with an understanding of current prevention and treatment strategies for influenza. After completing this program, pharmacists and nurses will be able to describe the epidemiology of influenza and identify the various pharmaceutical options for the prevention of influenza to include the ease of use, comparative efficacy, and contraindications of vaccines. Pharmacists and nurses will also be able to describe the pharmacist’s role in the prevention and treatment of influenza. Pharmacy technicians will be able to describe the signs and symptoms of the flu and identify the medications used to treat the flu.

Safety Measures for Prescription Labeling: 21st Century Best Practices

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to discuss patient literacy as a barrier to understanding prescription label instructions and list items required on a prescription label by the FDA or state boards of pharmacy. Participants will also be able to identify aspects of existing medication labels that prevent clear understanding of directions or reasons for use. Lastly, participants will know how to describe at least four changes to medication labels that can improve clarity and reduce errors, which include a discussion of relatively recent initiatives (e.g., ClearRx).

Understanding and Treating Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This program will focus on the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating patients with PHN, and will enhance the participant's knowledge of PHN, counseling points, and information needed to work with the patient to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

Asthma with a Focus on the Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment Options

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide participants with an understanding of asthma treatment options as well as its epidemiology and pathophysiology. After completion of the program, health care providers will be able to describe the etiology and epidemiology of asthma in the United States and worldwide. Participants will then be able to state at least two determinants of lung delivery for MDIs, DPIs, nebulizers, and spacer devices. Next, they will be able to explain the differences in the mechanism of action between inhaled corticosteroids, β2 adrenergic agonists, methylxanthine, anticholinergic agents and leukotriene modifiers. Finally after completing the program, participants will be able to list two advantages of combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting inhaled 2-agonists over increased dose of inhaled corticosteroids.

Pharmacology in Thyroid Conditions

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide participants with an understanding of pharmacology in thyroid conditions. After completing this program, participants will be able to explain the pathway of thyroid hormone synthesis as a basis in the understanding of the mechanism of action of the thyroid and anti-thyroid medications. Participants will know how to explain the pathophysiology of thyroid problems and be able to list the different medications that are being used clinically for the treatment of thyroid conditions. Next, participants will be able to describe and demonstrate the uses of the thyroid and antithyroid medications in the clinical setting as well as describe the mechanism of action of the drugs used in the treatment of thyroid problems. Lastly, participants will be able to explain the adverse the effects of the drugs used in treating thyroid problems and correlate the knowledge gained from this monograph in clinical practice.

A Pharmacist's Role in the Management of Prescription Drug Abuse

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Prescription drug abuse is rapidly becoming one of the most serious and critical public health concerns in this country. Numerous initiatives have been implemented by federal and state legislators in an attempt to curtail this crisis. Many of these have focused on educating physicians about sound narcotic prescribing practices; however, few have explored the potential benefit of utilizing the pharmacist to help combat this dilemma. Since pharmacists are frontline health care providers, it is imperative that they receive the education and training to respond appropriately to this growing problem. Instructing pharmacists on how to identify, manage, and prevent prescription drug abuse has the potential to be one of the most effective methods in dealing with this issue.The focus of this article is on the enormous consequences that prescription drug abuse has had in the United States in recent years, and the pivotal role that pharmacists can have in easing this burden

Palliative Care - Treatment at the End of Life

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This program will assist pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and nurses in understanding the facets of the palliative pain felt by patients who are dying and the benefits of alleviating the pain during this process. It will also enhance their knowledge of the available options for those patients in this situation. The program includes information on the pharmacological treatments and patient counseling.

The Reality of Adolescent Depression

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program promotes the need for increased awareness of depression in adolescents. About 20 percent of teens will experience teen depression before they reach adulthood. Less than 33 percent of teens with depression get help, yet 80 percent of teens with depression can be successfully treated if they seek help from a doctor or therapist, and many local health clinics offer free or discounted treatment for teens with depression. This program is designed to assist pharmacists in understanding Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), especially in adolescents, as well as the benefits of managing this disorder with medications. The program includes information on pharmacologic treatments, drug interactions, and patient counseling.

Medication Errors and Public Safety: Tragic Consequences When the System Breaks Down -FL APPROVED/LAW

Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

To provide pharmacists with an understanding of pharmacy dispensing errors, including causes, prevention, and the legal issues resulting from these errors.
This is approved for FL Medication Errors Credit.

The Prophylaxis and Management of Hemophilia in Adults and Pediatrics

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This knowledge-based, interactive program will assist pharmacists in understanding facets of hemophilila, and the challenges of treating and counseling its vicitms. It will also enhance their knowledge of available options for those patients under these conditions. The program includes information on pharmacologic treatments and patient counseling.

Chronic Pain in the Golden Years - Aging Gracefully or Suffering in Silence

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Seniors are particularly vunerable to chronic pain. As we age, our bodies go through intense changes. Optimizing pain relief is crucial to helping an aging patient regain or maintain control of his or her life. Because pharmacotherapy plays a prominent role in treating chronic pain, it is also a perfect opportunity for the pharmacist to be involved. This program will satisfy the education need by creating a program for pharmacists that will enhance their understanding of chronic pain, the challenges associated with treating an aging population, pharmacotherapy, counseling points, and information needed to work with the patient to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

Current Treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

After completing this program, participants will be able to describe the symptoms of restless leg syndrome and outline the factors involved in a differentials diagnosis of restless leg syndrome. Participants will know how to review non-pharmacologic and behavioral treatments for mild RLS symptoms and differentiate between treatments for secondary RLS and those for primary RLS. Next participants will be able to list first-line medications for moderate to severe symptoms and understand augmentation and rebound effects with certain medications. Lastly, participants will know to list medications that are appropriate for mild or intermittent RLS symptoms.

Women Beware - The Threat of COPD

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Women have made a good deal of welcome progress in the last several decades, but at least one advance is unwanted: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is on the rise in women in prevalence, morbidity and mortality. By 2000, the number of women dying from COPD surpassed the number of men. But the rising number of cases in women has not been matched by medical understanding of the disease's apparent gender-bias. This program will focus on the pharmacist's role in identifying patients with COPD (women in particular), reducing the risk factors for developing COPD (such as smoking cessation), and managing the disease.

When Pain Relief Leads to Pain Medication Abuse-Pharmacists Intervene

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This knowledge-based program will assist pharmacists in understandingthe facets of pain felt by patients, and the justifications patients may give for abusing pain medications. The program is designed to enhance pharmacists' knowledge of available information for these patients, and includes information on elements of pharmacologic treatments and patient counseling.

Common Indications for Anticoagulation and Their Medicinal Treatments

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide nurses and pharmacists with an understanding of anticoagulation and medicinal treatment. After completing this program, participants will be able to list common indications for anticoagulation and understand as well as describe the mechanism of thromboembolism for each indication. Participants will also know how to explain the traditional risk factors and the current anticoagulant treatment guidelines for each indication. Finally, participants will be able to list the commonly used anticoagulants, their side effects, dosage forms and schedules, and understand each anticoagulant’s ability for rapid reversal.

Schizophrenia and Weight Gain - Strategies to Improve Adherence

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Independent of medication, schizophrenia always has been associated with weight gain. Up to 50% of patients taking antipsychotics gain weight. Additionally, weight gain is associated with non adherence, relapse and decreased quality of life. This program will give pharmacists an understanding of the underlying conditions, potential of currently available treatment options (along with their probable results and possible side effects) and the need to educate patients and family members on drug treatment strategies and the long-term medication adherence problems commonly encountered with schizophrenia.

Strategies to Improve Communications Between Pharmacy Staff and Patients

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Health literacy is a complex issue which is made up of many areas including the ability to understand instructions on prescription drug bottles, appointment slips, medical education brochures, doctor's directions and consent forms, and the ability to negotiate complex health care systems. Requirements include reading, listening, analytical and decision-making skills, and the ability to apply these skills to health situations. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has even included improved consumer health literacy as Objective 11-2, and identified health literacy as an important component of health communication, medical product safety, and oral health in the report Healthy People 2010. In many cases, your patients depend on you! This program will help you to understand the effects of health literacy and how you can communicate with your patients, eliminating many fears and insecurities associated with healthcare. Implementing these techniques will contribute to improving overall quality of healthcare and reducing economic costs related to low health literacy. This program will define health literacy as well as review techniques to improve communication with low-literacy patients. You will become a better resource for your patients, allowing them to take a more active role in their own healthcare decisions.

Wake Up -- Understanding and Treating Excessive Sleepiness

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This program is designed to educate pharmacists on the treatments for excessive sleepiness and offer them counseling points to communicate effectively with excessive sleepiness patients and providers in their role as a pharmacist.

Prostate Cancer: Managing Associated Pain

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This knowledge-based program will assist pharmacists and nurses in understanding facets of the painful episodes men may experience during bone metastasis of prostate cancer, and the benefits of alleviating the pain during this process. It will also enhance their knowledge of available options for those patients under these conditions. The program includes information on pharmacologic treatments and patient counseling.

The Pathophysiology and Pharmaceutical Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

After the completion of this monograph, the reader should be able to understand the pathophysiology of chronic hepatitis, its incidence and prevalence, its primary symptoms and main risk factors, and be able to identify the most commonly used pharmaceuticals and their potential side effects.

Cardiovascular Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide nurse and pharmacists with an understanding cardiovascular disease and effects on rheumatoid arthritis. By the end of the presentation participants will be able to understand and describe the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis. Next, health care providers will be able to list traditional and novel risk factors predisposing RA patients to an elevated cardiovascular risk. Participants will also be able to describe European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommended guidelines for identifying CVD in RA patients, and understand the importance of multiplication factors for national risk assessment models. Finally, participants will be able to explain the controversial role of NSAIDs and glucocorticoids in RA treatment, and describe preferred treatment and durations of therapy as well as describe EULAR preferred treatment guidelines in CVD in RA.

Contraception

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A the completion of this monograph, the participant will be able to explain the physiology and the normal hormonal changes int he menstrual cycle as a basis for understanding the mechanism of action for different contraceptive methods. Participants will also know how to list the different methods and drugs that are being used clinically for contraception and describe the mechanism of action of the methods and medications used for contraception. Participants will also be able to describe the advantages and disadvantages of the different contraceptive methods, and determine the appropriate method to be used in certain clinical situations. Lastly, participants will be able to describe the proactive role that pharmacists can play in counseling patients on the proper use of contraception.

Managing Warfarin Therapy in Various Pharmacy Settings

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Despite warfarin's efficacy as an oral anticoagulant, this agent continues to exude prominence within medication error reports, inappropriate health care utilization, and adverse consequences. In summation, this article offers an overview for pharmacist operation in accordance with novel standards and regulations to enhance the delivery of anticoagulation. Although pilot studies have been conducted regarding community-based anticoagulation management, to date, this foundation has not been reconciled in the absence of definitive models, pharmacoeconomic analyses, and direct evidence-based outcomes of pharmacist intervention. Pharmacists need to play an increasingly active role to minimize healthcare expenditures and preserve older adult's quality of life

Reducing the Risk of Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Approximately 75,000 strokes occur each year in the United States in patients with atrial fibrillation. Current guidelines recommend oral anticoagulation for high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation, but the inherent limitations of these agents lead to substantial underuse. This state of affairs has stimulated the development of new agents with improved benefit-risk profiles, which appear to be offer a wider therapeutic margin and low potential for drug interactions, allowing more convenient dosing without anticoagulation monitoring. Pharmacists must understand the underlying condition, possible comorbid conditions, potential of currently available treatment options (along with their probable results and possible side effects) and play an active role in educating patients on their drug treatment strategies and lifestyle changes necessary to reduce the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation.

Diabetes Potpourri 2010: A Summary of Several Current Issues In the Management of Diabetes

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide a literature-based review of several current issues facing the management of diabetes mellitus. Based on the results of recent clinical trials, some significant changes to the management of diabetes mellitus either have or appear likely to occur soon. It is important that pharmacists are attuned to this information and apprised of these changes so they can work with a patient's healthcare team to optimize care.

The Pathophysiology and Pharmaceutical Treatment of Hypertension

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide pharmacists and nurses with an understanding of the Pathophysiology and Pharmaceutical Treatment of Hypertension. After completing this program, participants will be able to understand the prevalence and incidence of hypertension. Participants will also understand the pathophysiology, primary symptoms and main risk factors of hypertension. Lastly, participants will be able to identify the most commonly used pharmaceuticals and their potential side effects.

Three Generations: The Past, Present, and Future of Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems

Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

For thousands of years, human civilizations have applied substances to the skin as cosmetics and medical agents. However, it was not until the twentieth century that the skin came to be used as a drug delivery route. While there are many advantages to transdermal drug delivery, the disadvantages include a set of specific molecular properties for delivery and possible patient concerns with this method of delivery. Prausnitz and Langer define three generations of transdermal drug delivery systems: first generation, which encompasses the typical patch technology widely available at present; second generation, which seeks to enhance the penetration of first generation molecules; and third generation, which uses novel technologies to deliver a wide range of molecules across the skin. This presentation will examine the science of transdermal drug delivery, review the FDA-approved products in each generation, and introduce the pharmacists to new technologies that have the potential to impact the pharmacy practice in the future.

Osteoporosis Update: Adding New Tools and Treatments to Disease Management

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide participants with an understanding of new tools and treatments for disease management in osteoporosis. After completing this program, participants will be able to describe the bone remodeling imbalance that occurs in osteopenia and osteoporosis. Participants will know how to use existing clinical tools (eg, T score, new FRAX algorithms) to identify osteoporosis risk and to evaluate disease management options. Participants will also know how to discuss concerns with bisphosphonates, the current first-line treatment options and differentiate mechanisms and dosing methods of new osteoporosis drug classes from standard treatments. Lastly, participants will be able to select populations who would most benefit from treatment with new and emerging medications.

Managing Epilepsy - Pharmacists Help

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This program will review the theoretical causes of epilepsy as well as the detrimental affects that this disorder may have on its victim's lives, incorporating information on its prevalence. Participates will also hear about therapeutic agents used in the treatment of epilepsy and should be able to state an agent's dosage schedule, mechanism of action, and side effects following completion of the program.

Diabetes Double Jeopardy - What do Minorities and Senior Citizens Have in Common

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This program promotes the need for increased awareness of diabetes in minorities and the elderly. The program will focus on the pharmacist's role in identifying patients with diabetes (minorities and the elderly in particular), reducing the risk factors for developing diabetes through lifestyle changes, and managing the disease. Pharmacists are often the medical professional that patients reach out to for the latest in drug information. With all the new products available for diabetes, it is very difficult for the pharmacist to keep up with the latest advances in medication. In addition, the newer medications require more explanation than in the past. This continuing education course gives the pharmacist a solid knowledge base to enlighten the patients on these new therapies with an emphasis on methods to help the patient control postprandial glucose, provide counseling about managing comorbidities, drug contraindications, and general safety issues.

Types of Diarrhea and Management Strategies

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide participants with an understanding of current types of diarrhea and management strategies. After completing this program, nurses and pharmacists will be able to state the difference between acute and chronic diarrhea and differentiate between secretory diarrhea, osmitic diarrhea and motility disorders. Pharmacists and nurses will also be able to review the classifications of drugs used to treat diarrhea. After completing this program, pharmacy technicians will be able to in general terms, describe the signs and symptoms of diarrhea and identify the medications used to treat diarrhea.

Head Lice Treatment Options Today

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide pharmacists, nurses, and pharmacy technicians with an understanding of head lice treatment options today. After completing this program, pharmacists and nurses will be able to describe the life cycle of head lice (pediculosis captitis), explain the issues involved in ensuring an accurate diagnosis of an active head lice infestation, and state the use of the non-prescription and prescription only pediculicides and their warnings. After completing this program, pharmacy technicians will be able in general terms, describe the life cycle of head lice and identify the medications used to treat head lice.

New Treatment Considerations for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide pharmacists and nurses with an understanding of new treatment considerations for type two diabetes mellitus. After completing this program, participants will know how to explain the morbidity and mortality risks associated with the epidemic of type two diabetes mellitus in the United States and identify goals of treatment and means of monitoring patients to evaluate treatment efficiency. Participants will also be able to outline supportive care best practices that can improve quality of life and prevent chronic morbidity. Lastly, participants will know how to compare the mechanisms, dosages, and adverse events of DPP-4 inhibitors, a class of new antidiabetes drugs, with standard treatment options.

The Pathophysiology and Pharmaceutical Treatment of Chronic Bronchitis

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide pharmacists and nurses with an understanding of the prevalence and incidence of chronic bronchitis. After completing this program, participants will be able to understand the pathophysiology chronic bronchitis and be able to describe its primary symptoms and main risk factors. Participants will also know how to explain the epidemiology and etiology of chronic bronchitis as well as identify the most commonly used pharmaceuticals and their potential side effects.

Urinary Incontinence - An Epidemic?

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Urinary Incontinence is a significant global, social and public health concern and the leading cause of long term care facility placement in the United States, affecting 50% of nursing home residents. Many myths surround this disease as well as its diagnosis and management. The healthcare professional's knowledge of urinary incontinence and their willingness to discuss it is vital for a patient's diagnosis and subsequent treatment. It is a common misconception that incontinence is a normal part of aging and is something that must be lived with. There are many treatment options available and are not all surgical.

Intermittent Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Treatment of Prostate Cancer – What are the Benefits?

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide pharmacists and nurses with an understanding of Androgen Therapy and its relation to Prostate Cancer treatment. After completing this program, participants will be able to review the etiology and epidemiology of prostate cancer, outline the types of androgen deprivation therapy, and describe androgen deprivation therapy to include mechanism of action, side effects and means to mitigate the side effects.

HIV/AIDS Treatment - Pharmacists Can Make a Difference

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Pharmacists can make a difference in the management and treatment of HIV/AIDS. However, many pharmacists find themselves uncomfortable with their level of knowledge in the area of HIV either because they did not receive any HIV training in their formal education or simply because of the rapid on-going advancements in this therapeutic area. This program will educate pharmacists on HIV treatment principles, provide an update on pharmacotherapy, and the challenges associated with HIV treatment so they can more comfortably respond to HIV patients and providers in their role as pharmacist. (NOT APPROVED by the Florida BOP)

Understanding Diabetes and Insulin Delivery Systems

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This program will educate pharmacists on currently available insulin delivery options and information needed to counsel and treat patients while also improving medication adherence.

Treating Chronic Pain - Opioid Analgesics

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The June 29, 2011 report titled: Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education, and Research from the Institute of Medicine offers many insights into pain management. Pain is a major driver for visits to physicians, a major reason for taking medications, a major cause of disability, and a key factor in quality of life and productivity. Given the burden of pain in human lives, dollars, and social consequences, relieving pain should be a national priority. This activity will focus on the current state of chronic pain management, the continued need for opioid analgesics, and how these issues speak to the pharmacist working in the community setting.

After 30 Years - Living with HIV

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Many pharmacists find themselves uncomfortable with their level of knowledge in the area of HIV either because they did not receive any HIV training in their formal education or simply because of the rapid on-going advancements in this therapeutic area. This program will educate pharmacists on HIV treatment principles, provide an update on combination therapy, and the challenges associated with HIV treatment so they can more comfortably respond to HIV patients and providers in their role as a pharmacist. This program is NOT approved for Florida Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians.

Autoimmune Disease Control: New Treatments for Old Problems

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide participants with an understanding of autoimmune disease control and new methods being employed. After completing this program, participants will be able to discuss shared symptoms, markers, and disease progression of autoimmune diseases. Participants will be able to explain the immune-suppressing mechanisms and risks of belimumab and tolicizumab. Health care professionals will also be able to describe the appropriate patient who should receive belimumab for treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They will be able to discuss to explain the etiology of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) and the benefits of tolicizumab on the disease symptoms. Finally, after completing the program, participants will be able to identify the symptoms of Restless legs syndrome (RLS), and the benefits of gabapentin enacarbil versus traditional RLS therapies.

Women at Risk: Anticoagulation Issues in Atrial Fibrillation

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Currently, it is estimated that approximately 2.3 million US adults have atrial fibrillation, which increases risk of stroke and accounts for 1/6 of all strokes in the US. Although equal numbers of men and women are currently diagnosed with AF, studies have shown that female atrial fibrillation patients have a higher rate of stroke and death than men, with women accounting for nearly 2/3 of stroke-related deaths. Additionally, women frequently differ from men in their atrial fibrillation presentation and medical co-morbidities. In order to properly oversee female AF patients, pharmacists need to be updated on recent research about existing and novel anticoagulants, the signs and symptoms specific to omen that would require intervention, and beneficial treatment options for women which may have previously been overlooked.

Liver Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Acetaminophen Associated Hepatotoxicity

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide participants with an understanding of liver disorders, their diagnosis, treatment options, and acetaminophen associated hepatotoxicity. After completing this program, participants will be able to identify the three major physiologic functions of the liver. Next, participants will be able to list and define common presentations associated with liver disease and explain the mechanism of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Participants given an actual or simulated case of a patient with liver disease, they will be able to determine the severity classification after the presentation. Participants will also know how to recognize medications that require dosage adjustment in patients with liver dysfunction and provide dosing recommendations based on the severity of disease. Lastly, participants will know how to develop a regimen to treat a patient with acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.

Acute and Prophylactic Treatments for Migraine Headache

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide an understanding of treatments for migraine headaches After completing this program, health care professionals will be able to identify the pathophysiology of migraines and describe the symptoms and criteria for a migraine headache and migraine diagnosis. Next, participants will be able to outline the non-pharmacologic and behavioral therapies that may treat or prevent migraines. Finally, participants will know to how describe the first line treatments for migraines as well as outline the first-line prophylactic treatments for migraines.

Old Wine in New Bottles: A Review of Current ADHD Treatments

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide participants with an understanding of current ADHA treatments and their relations to older methods. After completing this program, pharmacists and nurses will be able to outline the percentage of children and adults receiving medication for ADHD. Pharmacists and nurses will know how to describe the two basic groups of medications used to treat ADHA to include the mechanisms of actions and common side effects associated with the most frequently used medications. Lastly, pharmacists and nurses will know how to identify at least one new drug used to treat ADHD (introduced to the market in the past year). Pharmacy technicians will know how to in general terms, describe the number of people being treated for ADHD and outline the two basic groups of medication used to treat ADHD.

The Role of Medication Reconciliation in Ensuring Patient Safety

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The goal of this continuing education article is to describe the importance of medication reconciliation in ensuring patient safety for the intended audience of pharmacists. After completing this program, participants will be able to describe the characteristics that medication reconciliation processes used in various health care settings should include. Participants will also be able explain methods of overcoming challenges related to medication reconciliation. Lastly, participants will be able to identify the role of the pharmacists in medication reconciliation (Pharmacist Only).

Treatments for Tension Headache and Chronic Daily Headache

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The presentation will provide health care providers treatments for tension headaches and chronic daily headaches. At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to describe the current knowledge of the pathophysiology of tension-type and chronic daily headache. Participants will be able to explain the symptoms of an episodic tension-type headache (TTHA) and be able to list the criteria for TTHA and chronic daily headache. Pharmacists and nurses will know how to describe non-pharmacologic and behavioral therapies that may treat or prevent headaches as well as describe the causes and management of medication overuse headache. Lastly, participants will be able to list first-line acute and first line prophylactic treatments for headaches.

ADHD: A Life Script from Conception to Adulthood

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pharmacists have consistent contact with patients over a long period of time, making them an excellent and accessible resource for information on ADHD. Moreover, pharmacists are trusted healthcare providers who interact with a large, diverse patient population. One-on-one, patient-to-pharmacist interaction is routine, and advice can often be obtained without direct or additional cost to the patient. Pharmacist and patient relationships are often much more conducive to conversation and have greater opportunities for discussion in comparison to a busy physician's office. Pharmacists can play a key role in counseling ADHD sufferers.

It's all Greek to Me-Translating the Benefits of Lipid Lowering Therapy to your Patients

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It is estimated that 50% of patients who start on cholesterol lowering medications discontinue them within 6 months! This program will give you practical information on how to translate the benefits and the risks of cholesterol lowering interventions (nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic) to patients to improve adherence and persistence. Specific ways pharmacists can improve the treatment of lipid disorders will be discussed.

Overview of Bisphosphonates and Osteoporosis

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This program will provide pharmacists and nurses with an understanding of Osteoporosis and Bisphosphonates. After completing this program, pharmacists and nurses will be able to describe the modeling process that occurs in bone and identify the current indications and doses of bisphosphonates for osteoporosis to their patients. Pharmacists and nurses will also be able to outline the risk factors of osteoporotic fractures and current screening guidelines for patients as risk.

Attacking the Flu Bug – The Pharmacist’s Pro-Active Role in Preventing and Treating Influenza

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pharmacists can play a pro-active role in the treatment of influenza and must understand the various delivery options. This program for pharmacists will enhance their knowledge about the flu and currently available vaccine delivery options and information needed to educate and treat patients.

Understanding and Treating Hemophilia - What Pharmacists Need to Know

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Pharmacists can play a pro-active role in the treatment of hemophilia, but must understand the disease and the latest advances in pharmacotherapy. Pharmacists are often the medical professional that patients reach out to for the latest in drug information. This continuing education course gives the pharmacist a solid knowledge base to enlighten the patients on therapies with an emphasis on the need for medication adherence, counseling, drug contraindications, and general safety issues.

Taking the Mystery Out of Fibromyalgia

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, musculoskeletal, non-inflammatory pain disorder. Patients frequently suffer from sleep disturbances, headaches, anxiety, morning stiffness, and a poor sense of well-being. In many cases, it takes years to properly diagnose fibromyalgia. Pharmacists can play a key role in treating patients with fibromyalgia. They can provide valuable counseling on topics such as lifestyle modifications and treatment options for fibromyalgia. Simple changes can often lead to considerable symptom improvement. Once fibromyalgia has been diagnosed, the pharmacist can provide counseling about managing comorbidities, drug contraindications, and general safety issues.

Drug Prescribing for the Older Adults - What the Pharmacist Should Know

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

After completing this program, pharmacists and nurses will be able to identify at least three of the unique challenges that arise from prescribing to older patients and outline at least two “Quality of Drug Prescribing” measures. Participants will then know to describe polypharmacy and its consequences and identify the classes of prescription medication, OTC medications, and herbal medications that are inappropriate. Next, participants will know how to explain the Beers Criteria and the adverse drug reactions and how they can prevented. Lastly, pharmacists and nurses will know how to identify steps toward safer prescribing practices.