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This comprehensive series of activities will focus on the critical role of the
primary care clinician in early identification, referral, and comanagement of
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Concrete tools for overcoming obstacles to
prompt diagnosis are available, as well as an evidence-based rationale for the
necessity of prompt institution of disease-modifying therapy. Criteria for
differential diagnosis, appropriate physical examination, laboratory
investigation, and radiography will be clearly defined. The critical long-term
advantage of multidisciplinary comanagement of RA patients by primary care
clinicians in concert with rheumatologists will be highlighted, focusing on the
monitoring and care of prominent RA comorbidities such as cardiovascular
disease, pulmonary disease, malignancies, and serious infectious disease.
National
Planning Committee
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of these activities, participants should:
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Have increased knowledge regarding:
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The early aggressive nature of joint damage in RA
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The optimal management of RA through early diagnosis and aggressive initiation
of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy
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The risks and benefits of the therapeutic management of RA, including the
long-term benefits of early, aggressive treatment; the long-term risks of not
starting early therapy; the health risks of therapy, such as infections and
malignancies; and other adverse events related to RA and its treatment
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The benefits of a collaborative team approach for the optimal management of the
patient with RA
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Increase their planned frequency of use (as compared with their current
frequency of use) of the following evidence-based provisional RA diagnosis and
patient care strategies:
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Use of a focused physical examination and functional assessment questions
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Use of appropriate laboratory tests
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Early referral to the rheumatologist when RA is suspected
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RA patient monitoring strategies such as reviewing RA patient immunizations
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Coordinating patient care with a relevant specialist to ensure the best quality
care
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Have increased confidence in their ability to accurately diagnose and monitor
patients with RA
Intended Audience
These activities are intended for primary care clinicians.
Disclosure
It is the policy of The Chatham Institute to ensure balance, independence,
objectivity, and scientific rigor in all of its educational programs. All
faculty, planners, and managers who affect the content of medical education
activities sponsored by The Chatham Institute are required to disclose to the
audience any real or apparent conflict of interest related to the activity.
Faculty, planners, and managers not complying with the disclosure policy will not
be permitted to participate in this activity.
Program faculty and planners have disclosed the financial relationships with
commercial interests cited below. All program content has been peer reviewed for
balance and any potential bias. The conflict of interest resolution process aims
to ensure that financial relationships with commercial interests and resultant
loyalties do not supersede the public interest in the design and delivery of
continuing medical education activities for the profession.
Sponsored by
This program is supported by educational grants from:
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