Program Information

Education Goals
PART I: ASTHMA MANAGEMENT

This CME activity is designed to increase the identification and effective treatment of patients with or at risk of developing asthma.

PART II: CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

This CME activity is designed to increase the identification and effective treatment of patients with COPD by improving the knowledge, competence and evidence-based performance of healthcare professionals and improving systems of care.

Objectives
PART I: ASTHMA MANAGEMENT

Upon completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Explain the criteria for the diagnosis of asthma.
2. Recognize the risk factors for the progression of asthma and the key tools and processes for tracking possible progression.
3. Review current guidelines for lifestyle changes and pharmacologic therapy.
4. Assess the relative advantages and disadvantages of available medications.
5. Evaluate methods to improve outcomes for patients with uncontrolled asthma or noncompliant patients.
6. Use patient education materials to help patients properly use medications and medical devices, create and follow an asthma action plan, and recognize "triggers."

PART II: CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

Upon completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Discuss the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the United States.
2. Define and classify COPD utilizing the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Disease (GOLD) guidelines.
3. Implement symptom-based questionnaires for differentiating COPD from Asthma.
4. Repeat screening and diagnostic systems of care for patients with or at risk of COPD.
5. Identify treatment options available to patients with COPD.
6. Discuss the importance of adherence to therapy for patients with COPD.

Implementation
The estimated time for completion of this program is four hours. In order to get the greatest value from this program, we recommend a four-step process:

1. Read the manual, taking notes as necessary.
2. Carefully read the test questions and select your answers.
3. Return to the manual for a final review of your notes and finalize your test answers.
4. Complete and return the CME answer sheet and course evaluation via mail, fax or internet.