Provider:	AKH Inc.
Commercial Supporter:	ViroPharma
Release Date:	08/01/2009
Expiration Date:	08/01/2010
System Requirements:	Adobe Acrobat Reader Macintosh OS X v 10.2 or higher Safari
Description: Hospital-acquired infections are a major public health burden. The recently documented escalation of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in hospitals and long-term care facilities is particularly disconcerting to health care professionals. An anaerobic bacterial infection of the colon that is responsible for a wide range of symptoms from mild diarrhea to severe and even life-threatening complications, CDI typically is associated with antibiotic use and hospital stays. However, evidence now suggests that this bacterium is affecting previously low-risk patients and healthy individuals in the community. Indeed, the estimated economic burden of CDI in the United States is now $3.2 billion–triple the estimated cost in 2002. Epidemiologic studies continue to document the growing prevalence of the disease, as well as increasing rates of case fatality, total mortality, and colectomy. A recent population-based analysis of hospitalizations for CDI reported a 23% annual increase between 2000 and 2005. Annual mortality rates for C. difficile-associated diseases have spiked 35% per year; currently, the number of deaths from C. difficile exceeds that from all other intestinal infectious diseases combined. Improved antibiotic prescribing practices and better infection control are necessary to contain this epidemic. In addition, clinical education on the diagnosis and treatment of this dangerous infection is critical.

Provider:	Postgraduate Institute for Medicine
Commercial Supporter:	ViroPharma
Release Date:	09/01/2009
Expiration Date:	09/01/2010
System Requirements:	Adobe Acrobat Reader Macintosh OS X v 10.2 or higher Safari
Description: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a serious gastrointestinal condition that can cause toxic megacolon, pseudomembranous colitis, and death. CDI is a growing burden to the health care system, with rates in US hospitals tripling in recent years. In addition, outbreaks of a new, more virulent strain of C. difficile have been identified in 39 states and Washington, DC. Recent research suggests that US surveillance of CDI is poor, and that many facilities do not adhere to optimal infection control practices. Failure to identify and manage outbreaks of CDI can lead to more widespread infection, higher associated costs, and increased mortality. It is critical that health care professionals are aware of the most current methods of CDI surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment, with the goal of reducing the incidence, severity, and mortality rates associated with this serious condition.

Provider:	Center for Independent Healthcare Education
Commercial Supporter:	Schering-Plough Corporation
Release Date:	03/01/2009
Expiration Date:	03/01/2010
System Requirements:	Adobe Acrobat Reader Mac OS 10.2.8 Safari
Description: We are entering a period when antimicrobial stewardship programs are of critical importance. Until recently, the focus has been chiefly on patient outcomes, safety, and cost containment. However, it is likely in the decade to come that reducing or stabilizing levels of antimicrobial resistance will be paramount. Antimicrobial stewardship initiatives require a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals. Through its combined efforts, this team can devise effective strategies for changing and directing antimicrobial use at hospitals and other health care institutions. Concern about resistance is worldwide, but problem solving begins at the local level, since resistant microbes, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, occur in individual communities and spread outward. The team members' responsibilities extend to initiating stewardship programs and driving their acceptance. A unified, multidisciplinary team that includes physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and case managers will represent the vanguard in our battle against antimicrobial resistance. Appropriate management of hospitalized community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients through effective antimicrobial stewardship programs has many benefits, not the least of which is the reduction of morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. The multidisciplinary team responsible for treating the hospitalized CAP patient, including the infectious diseases specialist, the clinical pharmacist, and other team members, should serve as passionate advocates for appropriate antimicrobial use. ACPE Universal Activity Number: 473-999-09-003-H01-P This supplement is supported by an educational grant from Schering-Plough Corporation.

Provider:	AKH Inc.
Commercial Supporter:	Convatec
Release Date:	08/01/2008
Expiration Date:	07/31/2011
System Requirements:	Adobe Acrobat Reader Mac OS 10.2.8 Safari Flash Plug-in Player 8 Check my Flash version
Description: Although there is not definitive data on the actual number of persons who have a surgical ostomy, estimates for the United States are between 500,000 and 800,000 with a 3% annual growth rate since 2000. Persons who have ostomies differ from many other surgical patients, as they deal with complex physical, psychological, social and financial issues, even if the surgery is a complete success. Nurses and pharmacists are among those healthcare professionals who need access to current care guidelines, product information and educational information so as to offer an integrated approach to provide the person with a stoma the best possible outcome.

Provider:	North American Center for Continuing Medical Education, LLC (NACCME)
Commercial Supporter:	Sanofi-Aventis U.S.
Release Date:	08/12/2009
Expiration Date:	08/12/2010
System Requirements:	Adobe Acrobat Reader Mac OS 10.2.8 Safari Flash Plug-in Player 8 Check my Flash version
Description: Insomnia, characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, early waking, and/or experiencing nonrestorative sleep, is a prevalent and burdensome condition. According to NIH, about 30% of the US population has some form of insomnia and 10% has persistent disease. Insomnia is associated with disturbances in daytime functioning, including fatigue, mood disturbance, and impaired performance. Despite the prevalence and burden of insomnia, it remains largely unrecognized and inadequately managed. Insomnia diagnosis is complex, often requiring multiple tests and assessments. If left untreated, insomnia may lead to serious comorbidities, such as mental illness, CVD, diabetes, and mortality. UAN 276-999-09-006-H01-P This activity is supported by an educational grant from sanofi-aventis U.S.