Activity Overview

Disease onset and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) is highly variable and unpredictable, which poses unique clinical challenges for healthcare professionals. While inflammation and demyelination induce neurologic deficit, which is partly reversible, axonal loss beyond the threshold of compensation leads to continuously progressive neurologic disability. Advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of MS suggest that in addition to reducing the impact of inflammation, the ability to prevent axonal degeneration is a critical component of MS management. Current evidence suggests that with the initiation of early treatment and patient adherence/compliance, there may be a decrease in long-term disability and relapse rate for patients with MS; yet 1 in 5 patients delay starting treatment and only 54% of patients adhere to their prescribed treatment.

Managed care pharmacists play a key role in the management of patients with MS and are uniquely positioned to positively impact treatment initiation and adherence by educating patients and fellow clinicians, and monitoring therapeutic efficacy while screening for potential adverse effects. In addition, the managed care pharmacist must make difficult and often complex decisions regarding the effects of MS and its treatment on health systems, managed care plans, and large patient groups. This live interactive webcast wi II provide managed care pharmacists with timely information and practical strategies for translating the latest medical and scientific developments into the best possible patient outcomes in the managed care setting.

Agenda

Goal

This activity has been designed to enhance managed care pharmacists' understanding of the need for early identification and the benefits of early treatment to optimize patient care and decrease MS disease progression, as well as provide methods for increasing patient adherence to MS therapy.

Intended Audience

This activity is designed for managed care pharmacists. No prerequisites required.

Learning Objectives

The University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CPE activity. Upon the conclusion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• TRANSLATE the outcomes of a clinical trial using disease modifying therapies (DMTs) for clinically isolated syndrome to explain why initiating treatment early in the course of the disease may decrease disability, progression, and potentially increase neuroprotection.
• DISCUSS how current treatments can be utilized to optimize patient care and decrease disease progression.
• EVALUATE advanced neuroimaging methodologies when discussing the challenges of assessing patients for treatment success and failure.
• IDENTIFY an intervention to increase patient adherence and optimize the utilization of MS therapies.
• COMPARE the efficacy of a novel immunotherapy to currently available DMTs for reducing disability and relapse rate.

Accreditation Statement

The University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education to provide continuing education for pharmacists.

Credit Designation Statement

The University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. Successful completion of this application-based educational activity will provide 1.5 contact hours of credit (0.15 CEUs). A statement of CPE credit will be available online immediately following successful completion of the activity. Successful completion includes taking the pre-test, attending the session, and completing the post-test and educational activity evaluation. ACPE Program #064-000-10-201-L01-P.

Faculty

Presenters

Jacci Bainbridge, PharmD (Chair)
Professor
University of Colorado at Denver

Robert J. Lipsy, PharmD, BCPS, FASHP
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Arizona

Sheldon J. Rich, RPh, PhD
President
SJR Associates, LLC

Additional Committee Members

Doug Burgoyne, PharmD
President
Scrip World, LLC

Ellen Whipple Guthrie, PharmD
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy

Augusto Miravalle, MD
Assistant Professor
University of Colorado at Denver

Julie A. Murphy, PharmD, BCPS
Associate Professor and Associate Director,
St. Louis College of Pharmacy

Policy on Faculty and Provider Disclosure

It is the policy of The University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy that the faculty and provider disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, and also disclose discussions of unlabeled/unapproved uses of drugs or devices during the presentation(s). Detailed disclosures will be made in the presentations.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy fully complies with the legal requirements of the ADA and the rules and regulations thereof. Please notify us if you have any special needs.

Grievance Policy

A participant, sponsor, faculty member, or other individual wanting to file a grievance with respect to any aspect of an educational activity sponsored or cosponsored by The University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy may contact the Associate Dean for Continuing Education in writing. The grievance will be reviewed and a response will be returned within 45 days of receiving the written statement. If not satisfied, an appeal to the Dean of the College of Pharmacy can be made for a second level review.

Fee Information

There is no fee for this educational activity.