Reviewed by David G. Fulghum, MSN, APRN, BC, RRT

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and it is projected to be the third leading cause of death—in both men and women—by 2020. Therefore, concerted effort is needed to slow the increase and reduce mortality. Effective treatment of COPD requires a thorough understanding of when to prescribe pharmacologic therapies and how to deliver them, when pulmonary rehabilitation is most beneficial, and when admission is warranted to manage an exacerbation. This comprehensive course presents the current best practices for managing many facets of COPD, as it gives you an extensive practical toolkit that you can use--beginning today--to improve the care of your patients with COPD. (View PDF)

Overview

This comprehensive program is designed to help you recognize the challenges of diagnosing, preventing, and treating COPD and to apply current evidence-based guidelines in selecting appropriate screening, testing, education, and treatment options to improve the care of your patients with COPD.

• Treat a patient with COPD using the therapeutic options described

• Develop treatment plans for your patients with COPD based on evidence-based practice

• Adjust treatment for COPD as the patient’s condition changes

Learner Participation to Earn Credit

• Review the course material

• Complete the online post-test with a score of 70% or higher

• Complete online program evaluation

• Participation in the self-study activity should be completed in approximately 60 minutes

As a provider of CME and CE activities that are accredited by AANP, AAPA and AARC, MEBN must ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor in all of its CME activities. All faculty participating in these activities are expected to disclose any or no relevant financial interest or other relationship with (1) the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) and/or provider(s) of commercial services discussed in any educational presentation, and/or (2) with any commercial supporters of an activity. Disclosure of any or no relationship(s) will be listed prior to any educational activity. All apparent conflicts of interest have been identified and resolved through MEBN’s independent, peer-review process. Our intent is to assist learners in assessing the potential for bias in information that is presented during the CME activity. The faculty are also aware of their responsibility to inform the audience if discussion of any non-FDA-approved uses of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, prostheses, etc. will be included in their presentation.

Certificate Fees

CE-TODAY offers FREE continuing education (CE) credits to recipients of the CD-ROM or the CE-TODAY journal. Enter the CE Code listed on the CD-ROM or in the journal when prompted. This free offer expires on May 26, 2007. All others will be assessed a $10.00 processing fee.