Free CME

Activity Description / Statement of Need:

In this online, self-learning activity:

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is an immune-mediated response that occurs in recipients of allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). GvHD can be further categorized into acute and chronic cases. Maculopapular rash, follicular erythema, epidermolysis, are common manifestations of acute GvHD, in addition to liver and gastrointestinal dysfunction such as hyperbilirubinemia, nausea, and diarrhea. This activity focuses on chronic GvHD, which has more extensive multi-organ involvement including the liver, eyes, mouth, lungs, skin, genitalia, and gastrointestinal tract.

Target Audience:

The following HCPs: hematologists and oncologists; nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists who specialize in oncology; and those who otherwise commonly care for or clinically encounter patients with GVHD.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions treated by physicians, affecting 40 to 50 million people in the U.S. Although the disease can affect patients at any age, acne occurs most commonly during the adolescent years, with a prevalence as high as 85%. In 20% of cases, the acne is severe, resulting in permanent physical scarring as well as a mental health burden. That burden may include increased prevalence of mood disorders, psychiatric hospitalizations, school absenteeism, unemployment, and suicidality.

Acne is a multifactorial inflammatory disease affecting the hair follicles of the skin. While an understanding of acne pathogenesis is one that is continuously evolving, key pathogenic factors include follicular hyper-keratinization, microbial colonization, sebum production, and complex immune and inflammatory mechanisms. Other research suggests that neuroendocrine regulatory mechanisms, diet, and genetic and factors all may contribute to the multifactorial process of acne pathogenesis. Professional guidelines for the treatment of acne vulgaris in adolescents and adults highlight the roles of topical and systemic pharmacotherapies as well as non-pharmacologic treatment modalities, including lasers and photodynamic therapy. However, in the time since the guidelines were published, newer medications have been approved or entered late stage clinical investigation. Communicating related information to HCPs in a timely manner is a demonstrated need.

Activity Description / Statement of Need:

In this online, self-learning activity:

Cultural competence has been defined in a variety of ways. According to the CDC, cultural competence is a “set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system, agency, or among professionals that enables effective work in cross-cultural situations.” In the setting of healthcare, practicing cultural competence can improve the ability of HCPs to meet the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of patients, which may ultimately improve health outcomes among diverse groups of patients with unique sociocultural identities including race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation.

Target Audience:

The following healthcare professionals: Physicians, pharmacists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other HCPs.