Description: Fibromyalgia can present with a long list of potential symptoms, many of which could have multiple causes. Patients initially may attempt to treat these symptoms with over-the-counter remedies or seek the advice of a pharmacist. Community pharmacists provide recommendations and education to millions of patients each month that experience symptoms similar to those seen in fibromyalgia. In addition, pharmacists can play a vital role in the improvement of patient education, drug therapy management, medication adherence, and outcomes of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. After all, pharmacists are the health care professional seen last by patients before medications are used. Additionally, pharmacists are the most frequently visited health care professional.
Description: As the health care professional seen most by patients pharmacists can play a vital role in indentifying patients with fibromyalgia and improving patient education, drug therapy management, medication adherence, and outcomes.
Description: Although commonly considered a disorder of childhood, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects individuals of all ages. Undiagnosed and untreated, ADHD can have significant lifelong morbidity with a negative impact on academic achievement, social behaviors, and vocational success. Early recognition and proper assessment of ADHD can enhance educational, economic, and psychosocial patient outcomes. Treatments for patients with ADHD include medication and behavioral approaches, both of which can be costly. Processes that identify at-risk patients, confirm the diagnosis, and employ evidence-based treatment algorithms can be effective strategies to improve outcomes and effectively manage costs associated with ADHD. Additionally, collaboration between multiple caregivers including primary care physicians, mental health specialists, family members, and teachers can increase the likelihood of treatment success as indicated by reduced disability, lowered utilization of health care services, increased productivity, lowered risk of medication diversion, and overall lowered costs. ACPE Universal Program Number: 809-999-08-256-H01-P This activity is supported by an educational grant from Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC.
Description: While attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is, in fact, most frequently diagnosed and most commonly recognized in children, the impact of persistent ADHD in adults may have an even more profound effect on a managed care population. ADHD is often underestimated in adults, and goes undiagnosed and untreated in many cases. Childhood ADHD persists into adulthood in 43% to 75% of individuals, with an estimated prevalence of 4.4%. That prevalence translates into approximately 8 million adults currently living with ADHD. Furthermore, the socioeconomic consequences of ADHD on independent adults who are responsible for supporting themselves and their families can be staggering, impacting patients, their families, coworkers, and managed care providers. ACPE Universal Program Number: 809-999-08-255-H01-P This activity is supported by an educational grant from Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC.
Description: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral syndrome characterized by inattentiveness or distractibility, with or without impulsivity, and hyperactivity. It is associated with serious and persistent difficulties in childhood, adolescence, and it often extends indefinitely into adult life. The disorder typically becomes apparent and is most commonly diagnosed in childhood and/or adolescence, with approximately half of all patients being diagnosed before 13 years of age. In fact, ADHD is considered to be the most common neurobehavioral disorder in children, affecting up to an estimated 12% of school-aged children and persisting to adolescence in up to 70% of cases. Although this condition remains under-recognized in general, more than 4 million children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD. Treating patients with ADHD within a managed care organization (MCO) involves unique challenges because primary care physicians (PCPs), not psychiatrists, must recognize the disorder and either provide care themselves or make appropriate referrals and coordinate care. ACPE Universal Program Number: 809-999-08-253-H01-P This activity is supported by an educational grant from Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC.
Description: Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis in the United States. Approximately 26.9 million adults 25 and older have OA, involving at least one joint, based on 2005 population estimates. In 2006, approximately 30 percent of adults 18 years and older reported experiencing some type of joint pain in the previous 30 days, and $18 billion was spent on hospital costs associated with total knee replacements.
Conventional treatments for OA may be unsatisfactory for patients. Dietary supplements, such as glucosamine, are widely promoted and available to the public as an alternative treatment for OA. Being medication experts and easily accessible to the public, pharmacists are likely to receive questions from patients concerning the safety and efficacy of glucosamine. Thus, the purpose of this article is to equip pharmacists with the tools to counsel patients on the use glucosamine for managing OA.
Description: This 1 hour is course designed for home study by healthcare clinicians. Successful completion of this course satisfies the 1 hour HIV/AIDS continuing education requirement for Florida health professionals prior to their initial re-licensure. Information regarding the prevention, transmission, control, diagnosis and treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is provided. The legal aspects for Florida healthcare professionals are also discussed.
Description: This is a 2 hour course designed for home study by healthcare clinicians. Successful completion of this course satisfies the 2 hour HIV/AIDS continuing education requirement for Kentucky health professionals. Information regarding the prevention, transmission, control, diagnosis and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is provided. Other topics discussed include standard precautions, care of persons living with AIDS, workplace issues and legal aspects for health care professionals.
Description: Pharmacy today is characterized by higher volume, complicated therapies, and an increasing need for patient counseling. This symposium will share a practice model, that is easy to implement, will enhance patient adherence, improve inventory turns and ultimately can improve your bottom line.
Description: Community pharmacists often become the "go-to" resource for patients needing help selecting a Medicare plan. With 7,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 each day, there is a huge opportunity for pharmacists to become a huge resource for their Medicare-eligible patients and their local community, but changing Medicare policies and plan designs can make staying current difficult, especially for busy pharmacists. We'll distill Medicare into the essential points that pharmacists need to know to be able to answer patients' questions. Hear from patient advocates who can explain Medicare in easy-to-understand terms that you can pass along to your patients, and find out what questions your patients should be asking when evaluating their plan options. Plus, find out what programs are available to patients who qualify for extra assistance with their rising prescription drug costs and what you as a provider need to be aware of to avoid violating CMS' strict provider marketing guidelines.
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