International Journal of Advances in Rheumatology (Vol. 6, No. 4)

Faculty

Needs Statement

The International Journal of Advances in Rheumatology, a CME/CPE/CNE-accredited educational program, systematically identifies, evaluates, and places into clinical context the most important recent studies into the science and medicine of rheumatoid diseases. It provides rapid access for busy specialists to a critical and clinically relevant review of the developments that will have most impact on their day-to-day practice and is designed to provide management options for clinicians to allow them to better diagnose and treat patients with rheumatoid diseases.

Each issue of the International Journal of Advances in Rheumatology will present carefully constructed review articles, written by practicing rheumatologists and developed to equip readers with practical knowledge of the area under discussion. These articles are commissioned to support particular educational themes identified by the Editors-in-Chief, Editorial Advisory Board and readers. This issue of the International Journal of Advances in Rheumatology presents three such leading articles.

Target Audience

This activity is designed to meet the educational needs of multidisciplinary clinicians and healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with rheumatic diseases.

Objectives

After reading this journal the reader should be able to discuss:
1. Measures of inflammation in clinical trials;
2. Disease activity target values and remission – as treatment goals in RA;
3. Methods of achieving treatment goals and quantifying outcomes;
4. Outcomes of studies of combination therapy with nonbiological DMARDs in RA;
5. Updates on safety and efficacy trials of anti-tumor necrosis factor agents;
6. Clinical trials of newer biological agents of potential utility in RA;
7. The reported incidence and prevalence of SLE in different countries and regions;
8. Clinical manifestations and serological markers of SLE as determined in the Euro-Lupus cohort;
9. Mortality studies in SLE.

Accreditation

CME
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and Remedica Medical Education. The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

CPE
The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.

This knowledge-based activity has been assigned ACPE # 022-999-09-023-H01-P and will award 2.00 contact hour(s) (0.2 CEU(s)) of continuing pharmacy education credit in states that recognize ACPE providers.

Statements of credit will indicate hours and CEUs based on participation and will be issued online at the conclusion of the activity. Successful completion includes completing the activity, its accompanying evaluation and/or posttest (score 70% or higher) and requesting credit online at the conclusion of the activity. The College complies with the Accreditation Standards for Continuing Pharmacy Education.

CNE
Educational Review Systems is an approved provider of continuing education in nursing by the Alabama State Nursing Association (ASNA), an accredited provider by the ANCC/Commission on Accreditation. Provider #05-115-09-002. Educational Review Systems is also approved for nursing continuing education by the state of California and the District of Columbia.

Faculty Disclosure

Drs. Sokka and Mäkinen have no relevant financial interests to disclose.

Dr. Singer has no relevant financial interests to disclose.

Dr. Gibofsky is a stockholder with Abbott, Amgen, Bristol- Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer; has served as a consultant for Abbott, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Roche and Wyeth; and as a speaker for Abbott, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer and Wyeth.

For a complete list of disclosures from the Editors please download the PDF.

Activity Sponsorship

This activity is jointly sponsored by the University of Kentucky and Remedica Medical Education. Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Abbott Laboratories.