This comprehensive series of activities will focus on the critical role of the primary care clinician in early identification, referral, and comanagement of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Concrete tools for overcoming obstacles to prompt diagnosis are available, as well as an evidence-based rationale for the necessity of prompt institution of disease-modifying therapy. Criteria for differential diagnosis, appropriate physical examination, laboratory investigation, and radiography will be clearly defined. The critical long-term advantage of multidisciplinary comanagement of RA patients by primary care clinicians in concert with rheumatologists will be highlighted, focusing on the monitoring and care of prominent RA comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, malignancies, and serious infectious disease.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of these activities, participants should:

1. Have increased knowledge regarding:
   1. The early aggressive nature of joint damage in RA
   2. The optimal management of RA through early diagnosis and aggressive initiation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy
   3. The risks and benefits of the therapeutic management of RA, including the long-term benefits of early, aggressive treatment; the long-term risks of not starting early therapy; the health risks of therapy, such as infections and malignancies; and other adverse events related to RA and its treatment
   4. The benefits of a collaborative team approach for the optimal management of the patient with RA
   5. The role of the primary care physician in the ongoing management of patients with RA
   6. The health risks of DMARD therapy, including infections and malignancies
2. Increase their planned frequency of use (as compared with their current frequency of use) of the following evidence-based provisional RA diagnosis and patient care strategies:
   1. Use of a focused physical examination and functional assessment questions
   2. Use of appropriate laboratory tests
   3. Early referral to the rheumatologist when RA is suspected
   4. RA patient monitoring strategies such as reviewing RA patient immunizations
   5. Coordinating patient care with a relevant specialist to ensure the best quality care
3. Have increased confidence in their ability to accurately diagnose and monitor patients with RA

Intended Audience
These activities are intended for primary care clinicians.

	2009 Educational Activities Clinician Educator Newsletter Issue #1 Newsletter Issue #2 Virtual Symposium Online Diagnostic Skills Workshop (Coming soon) Live Activities Pri-Med East: Boston, MA, 11/14, 6:30-8:30 PM Hands-on Diagnostic Skills Workshop: Pri-Med East, Boston, MA, 8:30-9:00 PM Pri-Med Mid-Atlantic: Baltimore, MD, 12/4 6:30-8:30 PM Hands-on Diagnostic Skills Workshop: Pri-Med Mid-Atlantic, Baltimore, MD, 8:30-9:00 PM

	2008 Educational Activities Pri-Med Condition Resource Center Slide Lecture Series Case Study 1 Clinical Review 1 CME Reference Guide Patient Education Flyer Case Study 2 Case Study 3 Case Study 4 Clinical Review 2 Clinical Review 3 Clinical Review 4 FAQ

Disclosure

It is the policy of The Chatham Institute to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all of its educational programs. All faculty, planners, and managers who affect the content of medical education activities sponsored by The Chatham Institute are required to disclose to the audience any real or apparent conflict of interest related to the activity. Faculty, planners, and managers not complying with the disclosure policy will not be permitted to participate in this activity.

Program faculty and planners have disclosed the financial relationships with commercial interests cited below. All program content has been peer reviewed for balance and any potential bias. The conflict of interest resolution process aims to ensure that financial relationships with commercial interests and resultant loyalties do not supersede the public interest in the design and delivery of continuing medical education activities for the profession.

Sponsored by

This program is supported by educational grants from: