Learning Objectives:
1. Describe a taxonomy for assessing research data
2. Understand an integrated process to translating this research information into daily decision-making

COPD
Statement of Purpose:
COPD is a complex disease that has been newly defined by the ATS as “a preventable and treatable disease state…” This new definition is contrary to that learned by most of us, in that early recognition and diagnosis can lead to prevention. And when treated appropriately and aggressively, it is treatable. The increasing burden of COPD on those afflicted as well as on society presents a strong need for education of primary care physicians in the knowledge of management of this disease. Diagnostic and treatment guidelines have been developed to aid physicians in effectively managing COPD. Knowledge of these guidelines is critical for the active care of these patients. This CME activity is designed to increase primary care givers knowledge about this new definition of COPD, and to help them diagnose the disease earlier so that optimal management can be achieved.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understanding that COPD is a complex, preventable and treatable disease according to the ATS/ERS definition, you will become aware of symptoms that could indicate early COPD, particularly in patients at high risk
2. Given that smoking cessation can prevent the development of complications and worsening of COPD, you will aggressively seek to help your patients quit smoking
3. Knowing that early initiation of therapy and optimal management can improve patients quality of life and prevent complications, you will manage COPD patients according to the ATS/ERS guidelines for COPD treatment

Overactive Bladder
Statement of Purpose:
The economic, social, and psychological burden of overactive bladder (OAB) is remarkable, not only on the affected individuals, but also on healthcare system and society. The effects of OAB on quality of life reflect that of other chronic diseases. Overactive bladder affects more than 30 million Americans, and the direct cost of treating urinary incontinence in men and women of all ages was estimated at over $26 billion in 1999! This diagnosis reflects a constellation of lower urinary tract symptoms that can include frequency and urgency, urinary incontinence, and that is usually accompanied by urinary frequency and nocturia which may occur in the absence of pathologic or metabolic factors that would explain them. The symptoms of OAB are generally under-reported by patients and under-recognized and under-treated by healthcare professionals. Improvement in the pharmacologic management of lower urinary tract disorders has led to the availability of well-tolerated, effective treatment options. This CME activity intends to heighten awareness of the burden imposed by OAB, and to increase understanding of the characteristics of patients who are likely to be most severely affected. This review will summarize the characteristic features, prevalence and epidemiology, clinical consequences, and management of OAB. Registrants will learn of the different available therapeutic agents and potential adverse effects to assist the busy physician in making the best choice of drug for each patient.

Learning Objectives:
1. Become aware of the prevalence and burden of overactive bladder
2. Develop knowledge of the normal physiology of bladder function, including the neurogenic pathways
3. Understand the complex pathophysiology of overactive bladder and its causes
4. Utilize effective pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment modalities for OAB, and their potential adverse effects, as well as a comparison among the effective agents

Asthma
Statement of Purpose:
Asthma remains one of the most important chronic diseases that affects our world. As the prevalence increases, its socioeconomic toll places it among the most costly chronic management problems.  Because of the tremendous variability and heterogeneity of the disease, it has been underdiagnosed, and therefore, undertreated. Effective therapy depends on a clear understanding of the underlying pathology with the concepts of airway remodeling. The increasing burden of asthma on those afflicted as well as on society present a strong need for education of primary care physicians in the knowledge of management of this disease. Management guidleines have been developed to assist physcians in the evidence-based management of asthma. Knowledge of these guidelines is crucial to providing these patients the best care and preventing exacerbations and hospitalizations.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understanding the burden of asthma on the individual patient, the patient’s family, as well as society, you will correctly diagnose asthma in these patients according to the published guidelines.
2. Recognizing the importance of following treatment guidelines to improve patient outcomes, you will prescribe treatment according to these guidelines.

myAntidote Report
Statement of Purpose:
Our mission at Antidote is to provide clinically relevant educational activities to physicians in order to help them provide quality care to their patients. But producing educational programs is only a part of this effort. In order to make the link between education and patient care, Antidote has created myAntidoteReportTM. As physicians are inundated by transparent efforts of health plans to save money in the guise of Pay for Performance or other schemes, the ability of the physician to provide their own quality data will become even more important. Now Antidote’s registrants can create their own quality improvement initiatives, patient registries, as well as reports that can be provided by our registrants to health plans, employers and others to chronicle their quality efforts. This data can also assist Antidote in developing the educational activities that meet the needs of these physicians as demonstrated by these reports.

Learning Objective:
1. Understanding the necessity of documenting quality initiatives in order to provide excellent patient care, you will begin to utilize tools including myAntidoteReport™ to document that quality of care.

Diabetes
Statement of Purpose:
An estimated 18.2 million Americans have diabetes, including individuals who have been diagnosed (13 million) and those who are as yet undiagnosed (5.2 million). According to the CDC, approximately 33.8% of the population has impaired fasting glucose levels, 15.4% have impaired glucose tolerance, and 40.1% have prediabetes. Risk factors for diabetes include family history of diabetes, body mass index greater than 25 kg per m2, sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, dyslipidemia, history of gestational diabetes or large-for-gestational-age infant, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Blacks, Latin Americans, Native Americans, and Asian-Pacific Islanders also are at increased risk for diabetes. Adherence to the published clinical guidelines for diabetes management can improve the quality of life for these patients, and improve their outcomes with fewer complications.

Learning Objective:
1.With knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and the importance of insulin resistance as a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, you will aggressively treat diabetic patients to achieve tight glycemic control as described by the present guidelines for managing diabetes.

The Ennobled Effort of the PCP
Statement of Purpose:
Wellness is defined as a state of wholeness and completeness in body, mind and soul. It is a concept that physicians and all healthcare providers continually profess to their patients. But wellness is a state that many in our profession never achieve. Too rarely do we pay enough attention to our own wellness.

This activity is designed to discuss the dilemma of professional wellness, and to motivate our healthcare provider registrants to seek wellness in their own lives – for the sake of themselves, their families, and their patients.

Learning Objective:
1. Acknowledging the importance of balance and completeness of body, mind and soul in the lives of busy healthcare professionals, you will strive to achieve that balance in a search for wellness.

Hypertension
Statement of Purpose:
Hypertension is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and the world as a whole. This disorder has been estimated to affect 50 million people in the United States and one billion throughout the world. It is also the most common primary diagnosis in the U.S., associated with 3,205,000 outpatient hospital encounters and 34,537,000 medical office visits in 2001. Despite established guidelines for the screening and management of hypertension, blood pressure levels remain below Healthy People 2010 targets, and 30% of people with hypertension are not aware they have the disorder. The management of hypertension has evolved, particularly with the release of the JNC VII guidelines. Most importantly, uncontrolled or poorly controlled hypertension is one of the most serious co-morbid conditions that increase patients' risk of cardiovascular complications.

Learning Objectives:
1. Given the increasing prevalence of hypertension and its role as a confounding co-morbidity for cardiovascular diseases, you will aggressively evaluate patients with hypertension assessing for other potential risk factors
2. Understanding the importance of treating blood pressure to goal, you will implement treatment plans for hypertensive patients based on the JNC VII guidelines

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