contact-hours « WordPress.com Tag Feed

Improving Quality of Life After Cardiac Arrest: Impact of Thearpeutic Cooling

freeceus — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:30:10 +0000

Therapeutic Cooling Post Cardiac Arrest- Sudden death in victims post cardiac arrest is an emergent pandemic. The purpose of this presentation is to share the evidence on a therapy which is positively impacting the quality of life in survivors of cardiac arrest. Survivors, who would otherwise emerge from their life threatening experience with neurological deficits that negatively impact their quality of life, are rehabilitating to their baseline life style. The program will consist of presentations by two prominent Emergency Physicians who will address the objectives based upon their clinical experience and growing database with therapeutic cooling culminating in a Panel for dialogue with attendees. The attendees will have the opportunity to hear first hand the findings of these two researchers who have been leading their resuscitation teams in outcomes management for quality improvement.

Identify historical perspective on epidemiology of cardiac arrest. Define the nature and scope of therapeutic cooling post cardiac arrest. Explain rationale for application of therapeutic cooling to improve neurological outcomes. Review landmark studies and other current literature. Discuss results of expanding clinical database of experiences.

1.0 Free CEUs for Nurses

Expires 10/1/12

1 Free Hour of Pharmacology for Nurse Practitioners

freeceus — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:40:15 +0000

Helping patients manage common pregnancy-related skin conditions- Describe the most common types of skin conditions-including etiology and signs and symptoms that are associated with pregnancy. Identify those patients during pregnancy and postpartum who are eligible for selfmanagement versus those who may require prescription treatment or referral. Compare and contrast the different nonprescription products used in the treatment and prevention of skin conditions during and after pregnancy. Discuss the safety of topical and oral products used in this patient population. Provide patient consultation on appropriate skin care techniques and other nonpharmacological methods to care for skin during and after pregnancy.

1.5 Free Contact Hours Nurse Practitioners which includes 1.0 hours of pharmacology

Expires 8/1/12

Lunch with the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Semester 2)

Oliver Jones — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 22:12:13 +0000

This being the second instalment of the Vice Chancellor’s Lunch for this year, I knew what to expect from the meeting and the format that it would take. In preparation, and after it was mentioned in the ED Advisory Committee that I attended the day before, I printed off a copy of the Maths departments new policy on talking in lectures – a topic that had also been discussed at our last SSC. From what was said at the ED Committee, it seemed guaranteed that talking in lectures would come up during the lunch so I wanted to be prepared with input from what my department is doing about it.

Coincidentally, the night before this lunch I had been in the Vice Chancellor’s home attending the dinner that he had put on for Parliamentary members, during which I had the opportunity to casually chat with the VC over some food about my experiences at Leicester. He took a genuine interest in how I was doing and my plans for the future and this has obviously given me more confidence during meetings with him, as I now know a lot more about him as a result too. Although the Pro Vice Chancellor seemed to take control of most of this meeting, seemingly giving more responses to questions than the VC did.

Topics discussed included the talking in lectures, to which I had input to make coupled with the mentioned documentation, along with more regular complaints like the lack of contact hours for a subject, to which the VC holds great importance, and the lack of feedback on exams, to which some students requested photocopies of their scripts – an issue which the Pro VC said that she would enquire about further. I did find that the issues and their discussions were not as interesting as the ones during first lunch of the year. Now that may have had something to do with the smaller attendance, but I think that as the year is drawing to a close all the main issues that have been concerning students have already been tackled and students are starting to focus on final essays and exam preparation and the great summer that they will hopefully have ahead of them.

The skills that I have used during this meeting have included preparing a point of discussion and contributing to the discussion effectively, along with following the meeting consistently and keeping in mind the views of my peers whilst representing them as a course rep. I feel my skills of conveying points and ideas have had a good practice and improvement though the stages of preparation, presentation and feedback – a format that I will now commonly use. I feel that any further feedback from this meeting was unnecessary as I felt that there was not detailed discussion on any points that would concern the peer that I represent to any significant degree.

Below I have attached a copy of the Maths departments’ policy on talking in lectures, the document that I brought to the attention of the Vice Chancellor.

Departmental Policy on Disturbances in Lectures

Free CEUs for Nursing:Controversies in Electrical Treatment of CHF

freeceus — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:32:32 +0000

Debating Current Controversies in the Electrical Treatment of Heart Failure- Patients with NYHA class III or IV, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35% or less and a QRS interval of 120 ms or more may benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT; pacing both the left and right ventricles), through implantation of a bi-ventricular pacemaker, or surgical remodeling of the heart. These treatment modalities may make the patient symptomatically better, improving quality of life and in some trials have been proven to reduce mortality.

The COMPANION trial demonstrated that CRT improved survival in individuals with NYHA class III or IV heart failure with a widened QRS complex on an electrocardiogram. The CARE-HF trial showed that patients receiving CRT and optimal medical therapy benefited from a 36% reduction in all cause mortality, and a reduction in cardiovascular-related hospitalization.

Patients with NYHA class II, III or IV, and LVEF of 35% (without a QRS requirement) may also benefit from an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), a device that is proven to reduce all cause mortality by 23% compared to placebo in patients who were already optimally managed on drug therapy. Patients with severe cardiomyopathy are at high risk for sudden cardiac death due to ventricular dysrhythmias. Although ICDs deliver electrical shocks to resynchronize heart rhythm which are potentially destressing to the patient, they have not been shown to affect quality of life. The number of (appropriate and inappropriate) shocks seems to be associated to a worse outcome. Although they are expensive, ICDs are potentially cost-effective in this setting.

Another current treatment involves the use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). LVADs are battery-operated mechanical pump-type devices that are surgically implanted on the upper part of the abdomen. They take blood from the left ventricle and pump it through the aorta. LVADs are becoming more common and are often used by patients who have to wait for heart transplants.

Objectives for this course: Describe the different treatment approaches for atrial fibrillation in heart failure patients. Recognize the importance of left ventricular pacing strategies in enhancing CRT response. Discuss the current treatment controversies in electrophysiology.

2.0 Free CEUs for Nurses

This course also offers FREE CEUs for Physicians and Radiology Techs

Expires 6/30/12

Decreasing Residual CV Risk through Lipid-Lowering Therapies: Free CME

freeceus — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 16:56:48 +0000

Fiber Basics & Beyond- 2 Free CPE for Dieticians

freeceus — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:16:28 +0000

NOTE: This course was previously sponsored by Kellogg’s- they have temporarily suspended their medical CEU programs. This course is temporarily unavailable

Fiber Basics and Beyond:There‘s More to Know About Fiber- Become familiar with the most updated IOM definition of fiber, including the fundamental properties of dietary fibers and functional fibers. Understand the science supporting the health benefits of fiber and know the mechanisms that explain their beneficial effects. Review consumer research that helps explain why consumers are falling short of fiber recommendations. Discuss the role of whole foods and fiber-enhanced foods in helping to meet fiber recommendations. Discover resources to guide discussions with clients and patients to increase their fiber knowledge and skills for seeking out fiber-containing foods.

2.0 Free CPE for Registered Dieticians

Never Events- Free Nursing CEU

freeceus — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:00:22 +0000

Never Events: Nurses’ Key Role- The purpose of this course is to explain the evolution of Never Events and related safety initiatives and to identify nurses’ key role in preventing Never Events and assuring patient safety. After successful completion of this course, you will be able to: Define Never Events and related safety initiatives of the National Quality Forum and other organizations such as the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Joint Commission, the American Nurses Association, and the Leapfrog Group. Identify the categories of National Quality Forum Never Events and examples of specific Never Events. Describe the current status of safety in USA healthcare facilities. Explain the economic impact of Never Events and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Hospital-Acquired Conditions (HACs). Explain the relationship between nurse staffing and adverse events. Identify aspects of nursing practice that are especially significant in preventing Never Events, including surveillance capacity. Describe elements of the work environment that support patient safety.

1.0 Free CEUs for Nursing

Expires 4/1/12

Antimicrobial Stewardship- 2.0 Free CPE for Pharmacy

freeceus — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:16:00 +0000

Antimicrobial Stewardship: Building the Case and Overcoming the Barriers in Your Institution
Antimicrobial stewardship programs – why are they needed in health systems especially at this time? The focus of this symposium is to provide an overview of antimicrobial resistance and other consequences of inappropriate antimicrobial use, the goals of antimicrobial stewardship, and elements of an effective antimicrobial stewardship program. The role of the pharmacist in developing and implementing a multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship program in conjunction with infection prevention and control efforts in the institutional setting will be presented. Faculty will discuss how to make the case for a stewardship program and how to build a business plan. Potential barriers to the implementation process of antimicrobial stewardship programs (e.g., a lack of information technology, misperceptions about program goals) and strategies for overcoming such barriers will be presented.

•Describe the relationship between inappropriate antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance, hospital-acquired infections, morbidity, mortality, hospital length of stay, and health care costs.
•List at least three elements of an effective antimicrobial stewardship program.
•Discuss the role of the pharmacist in developing and implementing an effective multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship program.
•Identify several potential barriers to implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs and suggest ways to overcome such barriers.
•Discuss how to make the case and build a business plan to launch an antimicrobial stewardship program

2.0 Free CEUs for Pharmacy

Expires 3/1/12

Improving Care of the Ventilated Patient- Indirect Calorimetry

freeceus — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:28:24 +0000

Indirect Calorimetry in the Ventilated Patient- Nutritional requirements are difficult to predict in mechanically ventilated patients, due to their disease processes, inflammatory response, and other variables. However, the development of proper nutrition support and its careful monitoring are vital to optimal patient outcomes. This monitoring requires the expertise of both respiratory therapy and nutritional support teams, and is best accomplished by using indirect calorimetry. Indirect calorimetry (IC) measures oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production as a way of assessing energy expenditure and thus determining nutritional needs. The use of IC is preferred over estimations (predictive equations) whenever measuring patients is feasible. An understanding of the variables and potential confounders involved in IC is critical in assessing and interpreting its results. The three articles that follow examine IC from both respiratory therapy and nutrition support perspectives, offering the clinicians a comprehensive, interdisciplinary view of how the collective expertise of these groups and the ICU teams can use IC to the patient’s greatest advantage. Practice scenarios and a discussion of various IC technologies are also included.

2.0 Free Contact Hours for Respiratory Therapy

This course also offers Free Contact Hours for Registered Dieticians

Expires 11/30/13

Shift Work Disorder:Part III of III- Free CME for Physicians

freeceus — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:15:37 +0000

Shift Work Disorder Case Study 2- A 52-Year-Old Male Security Guard Who Falls Asleep on the Early Morning Shift. Improve the identification and diagnosis of shift work disorder, using screening questions and diagnostic tools. Outline management strategies for patients with shift work disorder that optimize sleep, alertness, and circadian rhythm alignment.

0.75 Free CME for Physicians

Expires 10/31/12

SLPs & STs- Free CEUs in Childhood Communication Skills

freeceus — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:55:16 +0000

Developing Communication Skills in Young Children- Describe the foundations for developing communication-learning skills. Formulate individualized speech-language therapy goals and objectives for young children or developmentally young children who display with speech-language delays or disorders. Identify a variety of strategies for intervention with children with speech-language delays or disorders.

0.2 Free ASHA CEUs for Speech Therapy

Recovering from a Stroke- Free CEUs for OT, PT & Nursing

freeceus — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:41:27 +0000

Stroke: Managing Patient Recovery- The purpose of this course is to present the primary elements of post-hospital care recovering stroke patients.
List the primary-care goals for a recovering stroke patient
Describe the basic features of medical rehabilitation programs for stroke patients
Summarize the lifestyle changes recommended to reduce the recurrence of stroke
Discuss the process of physical rehabilitation of stroke patients

1.0 Free Contact Hours for Occupational Therapists

This course also offers Free CEUs for Nurses, & Physical Therapists

Offered for Free until 4/2/12

Understanding Chest Tubes- Free CEU for Nurses

freeceus — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:05:12 +0000

Understanding Chest Drainage:Chest Drainage as a Therapeutic Intervention-

A chest tube (chest drain or tube thoracostomy in British medicine or intercostal drain) is a flexible plastic tube that is inserted through the side of the chest into the pleural space. It is used to remove air (pneumothorax) or fluid (pleuraleffusion, blood, chyle), or pus (empyema) from the intrathoracic space. It is also known as a Bülau drain or an intercostal catheter.

Topics covered in depth include: Normal Anatomy and Physiology including-Chest Wall, Mediastinum, Lungs & Respiration. Thoracic System Pathology- Pneumothorax & Pleural Effusion. Chest Drainage Systems- Traditional and New Generation Chest Drains, Gravity Drainage. To Clamp or not to Clamp? Special Considerations for Newborns or Massive Pleural Air Leaks. Nursing Considerations and Trouble shooting.

2.0 FREE CEUs for Nurses (online submission, certificate is mailed)

3 Free CEUs for Sleep Techs- Overview of Diagnostic Equipment

freeceus — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:49:40 +0000

INTRODUCTION TO DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT FOR THE SLEEP TECHNOLOGIST This self-directed monograph consists of three individual chapters that review the difference between various nasal pressure airflow systems, pulse transit time (PTT) and respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP), as they relate to the diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing. This three-credit program includes information regarding: nasal pressure transducers; airflow tracings and how they are recorded and evaluated during a sleep study to determine an apnea or hypopnea; pulse transit time in relation to arousals and microarousals; how data are interpreted as related to sleep related arousals and RERAs; the importance and applications of respiratory effort as a measured parameter; and, how to set up, use, clean and score a RIP system.

3.0 Free CEUs for Sleep Technologists

Free CPE for Pharmacy: Delerium in the Critically Ill Patient

freeceus — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:04:20 +0000

Delerium in the Critically Ill Patient: The Pharmacist’s Role in Identification, Prevention, and Treatment- Delirium occurs frequently in critically ill patients and is an independent predictor of adverse outcome. Therefore, delirium prevention, identification, and optimal treatment are essential components of intensive care unit (ICU) practice. Pharmacists have an important role to play in implementing strategies known to reduce the incidence of delirium, leading delirium screening efforts, and managing delirium should it occur.

In this educational activity, faculty will provide an overview of the risk factors and clinical sequelae of delirium in patients in the ICU. Strategies to boost the recognition of delirium by pharmacists will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between sedation choice and level of sedation achieved, and the prevention of delirium will be highlighted. Key points from the medical literature describing the provision of safe and effective pharmacotherapy for critically ill patients who develop delirium will be presented.
•Describe the clinical significance of delirium in patients in the ICU.
•Describe how to incorporate the use of delirium screening tools into daily practice.
•Identify reversible risk factors for delirium in critically ill patients and develop practice strategies to minimize the exposure of patients to these risk factors.
•Develop an evidence-based treatment plan for delirium in a critically ill patient.
•Describe safety concerns related to the treatment of delirium in the critically ill patient.

1.0 Free CPE for Pharmacists

Expires 3/1/12

Shift Work Disorder:Part II of III, Free CME for Physicians

freeceus — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:59:09 +0000

Shift Work Disorder Case Study 1- A 37-Year-Old, Female 911 Operator Who Works the Night Shift and Complains of Insomnia and Depression. Improve the identification and diagnosis of shift work disorder, using screening questions and diagnostic tools. Outline management strategies for patients with shift work disorder that optimize sleep, alertness, and circadian rhythm alignment.

0.50 Free AMA Pra CAT 1 CME for Physicians

Expires 9/29/12

CNA Free CEUs: Medical Records Documentation

freeceus — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:49:53 +0000

Medical Records Documentation for CNA’s & HHA’s-
1. The participant will demonstrate familiarity with the most important rule of documentation.
2. The participant will be able to identify the three aspects of proper documentation.
3. The participant will demonstrate familiarity with late entries.
4. The participant will be able to identify examples of good documentation.

1.0 Free CEUs for Certified Nursing Assistants, Home Health Aides

Depression:Assessment & Treatment-Free CEU for Social Work

freeceus — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:45:36 +0000

Depression- This course provides an introduction to depression and includes an overview of who is affected along with symptoms and treatment options, by identifying key issues related to the assessment and treatment of depression. Identify the different types of depression. Identify signs and symptoms of depression. Describe how depression affects women, men, older adults, and children.

1.0 CEU for Social Workers

Expires 3/1/12

Pharmacy: Minimizing Potential IV Medication Errors

freeceus — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:47:45 +0000

Ensuring the Safety of Intravenous Medication Use: A Focus on High Risk Populations and Transitions of Care- Ensuring the safety of providing intravenous (i.v.) medications to patients is critical, especially in high risk patient populations and in transitioning care to and from the hospital setting. This symposium will provide pharmacists with practical methods for minimizing potential i.v. medication errors in high risk patient populations such as pediatrics and critical care, and in patients receiving infusions for the treatment of chronic diseases. The most common causes of medication errors in these high risk populations and vulnerabilities related to transitions of care will be examined. Strategies for enhanced safety will be discussed.
•Summarize national efforts to improve i.v. medication safety.
•Describe common i.v. medication errors impacting high risk populations.
•Identify strategies to minimize risk for i.v. medication errors in high risk populations and in patients transitioned to and from the hospital setting.
•Develop a risk assessment process to evaluate i.v. medication safety.

2.0 Free CPE for Pharmacists

Expires 3/1/12

Free CME for Physicans:Shift Work Disorder-Part I of III

freeceus — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:17:46 +0000

Recognizing and Managing Shift Work Disorder, an Underdiagnosed Condition: Improving Quality of Life- Shift Work Disorder (SWD) is among the most commonly undiagnosed and undertreated sleep/wake disorders. About 22 million Americans perform some type of nonstandard shift work and are at risk for SWD—the presence of excessive sleepiness and/or insomnia for at least 1 month, in association with a shift work schedule, provided other sleep/wake disorders can be excluded.

SWD can increase the risk of gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, other metabolic disturbances, irritability, or depressed mood. Persons with SWD may also have higher rates of ulcers, accidents related to drowsiness, absenteeism, missed family and social activities, and poorer job performance. Attempts to improve sleep may lead to drug and alcohol dependency.

SWD may develop when the physical environment requires a sleep schedule that is different from the individual’s internal circadian rhythms. SWD diagnosis is based on the patient history and may include use of a sleep diary/log. The differential diagnosis should exclude other potentially causative conditions, such as mood disorders, especially depression, and other sleep/wake disorders.

Managing SWD symptoms includes using bright lights during awake hours to help combat drowsiness, medication to treat excessive sleepiness or insomnia, and proper sleep/wake hygiene measures. Patient education about quality-of-life improvement with SWD management can help raise patient awareness and facilitate treatment success.

In this course: Recognize the role of circadian rhythms in sleep/wake function. Identify the risks and comorbid conditions associated with shift work disorder. Utilize screening questions and diagnostic tools to improve the identification and diagnosis of shift work disorder. Implement management strategies for patients with shift work disorder that optimize sleep, alertness, and circadian rhythm alignment. Utilize techniques to provide patient education about improving quality of life with effective management.

1.0 Free AMA Pra CAT 1 CME

Expires 9/29/12

Free CEU for Nurses- Surgical Limb Salvage

freeceus — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:51:13 +0000

Surgical Strategies to Increase Pulsatile Flow for Limb Salvage- Recognize the importance of restoring pulsatile blood flow to the lower limb. Outline safety and efficacy data of various conduits in the infected field. Evaluate surgical techniques and conduits available to increase pulsatile flow in the lower limb.

1.0 Free CEUs for Nurses

This course also offers Free CME for Physicians and Podiatrists

Expires 5/16/12

Free Pharmacology CEUs for Nurse Practitioners- Managing Diabetes

freeceus — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:09:12 +0000

Diabetes Management-Accurately diagnose and classify the patient’s type of diabetes based on pathophysiology. Appropriately identify the current standards of medical care. Describe pharmacologic management based on type of diabetes. Discuss diabetes self-management education strategies. Describe micro- and macro-vascular complications and measures to eliminate or decrease the risk of complications.

1.25 Free Contact Hours, for Nurse Practitioners which includes 0.9 hours of pharmacology

Expires 3/7/12

Free CEUs for Counselors- Internet Addiction

freeceus — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:50:54 +0000

Internet Addiction at Work, And What about Home- To explain what Internet addiction is. Is it real or not? What is the effect/affect and the warning signs? To show the participants the methods of monitoring internet addiction. Share what some treatment providers are saying and accessing resources.

1.5 Free CEUs for Social Work

Challenging Case #838: Lung Cancer- Free CME for Physicians

freeceus — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:31:37 +0000

Case #838 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer – Charles is a 58-year-old Caucasian male who presented to his primary care physician with symptoms of cough and lower-back pain. A computed tomographic scan of the chest showed a large mass in the right middle lobe of the lung.

1.0 Free AMA Pra CAT 1 CME for Physicians

Expires 5/24/12

Free Pharmacology Hours for Nurse Practitioners- Immunotherapy in Cancer

freeceus — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:06:14 +0000

The New Generation of Cancer Care: Immunotherapies and Effective Management of Immune-Related Adverse Events- Identify the types and mechanisms of immunotherapy in cancer. Review the administration guidelines for approved immunotherapeutic agents. Describe how novel immunotherapies have been incorporated into national practice guidelines. Assess emerging data from recent and ongoing clinical trials of cancer immunotherapies. Evaluate the unique patterns of response and monitoring parameters associated with cancer immunotherapies. Apply best supportive care practices for the assessment and management of adverse events associated with cancer immunotherapies. Integrate national guidelines, response pattern monitoring, and strategies to mitigate immune-related adverse events into individualized treatment planning.

1.5 Free Contact Hours for Advanced Nurse Practice, which includes 1.3 hours of pharmacology

This course also offers Free CEUs for Nurses

Expires 12/8/12