Interstitial Cystitis Association to Release New Continuing Medical Education Program
McLean, VA (PRWEB) August 06, 2013 -- The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) is proud to announce the upcoming release of its newest continuing education (CME/CE) program, Conquering IC: Identification and Management Strategies, in partnership with the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) and in cooperation with The France Foundation and the Nurse Practitioner Alternatives. This innovative educational program, to be released at the AUGS 34th Annual Scientific Meeting in Las Vegas, NV on October 16-19, 2013, provides an interdisciplinary audience with comprehensive continuing education on identification and management of patients with interstitial cystitis (IC); both the curriculum activities and CME/CE credit are free of charge to participants.
"It is critical that healthcare providers diagnose IC at the earliest possible stage to help limit the suffering that IC patients have,” explained Jeffrey Proctor, MD Chair of the program, who is also an ICA Medical Advisory Board member. “This CME/CE will help educate healthcare providers on the signs and symptoms of IC, so they can confidently recognize and treat IC patients."
ICA’s new CME/CE program, which will be distributed by AUGs through their 49 nationwide fellowship programs, is structured for healthcare providers to better assist IC patients. The program application for clinicians teaches healthcare providers about the most current approaches in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of IC, which may translate into better symptom control and improved outcomes for patients with IC. The program also includes patient resources that healthcare providers can give to their patients to educate them with valuable information regarding IC.
In addition to resources for healthcare providers and patients, the educational activities available include a Peer-to-Peer Podcast Series – insightful audio commentary from IC experts; and a Monograph – the latest clinical information on identification and management of patients with IC. Healthcare providers who complete the educational activities can earn two types of complimentary continuing education credit: AMA PRA Category 1 and Continuing Education Credits for Nurses (ANCC).
“We’re extremely excited to be able to offer such a concise and convenient IC education program for healthcare providers,” said Lee Claassen, CAE, ICA’s executive director. “It is thorough and informative and gives medical professionals the insight and knowledge necessary to properly diagnose and treat this insidious disease. It will also empower IC patients with another tool they can use to help advocate with healthcare professionals for their own well-being.”
The contributing faculty who acted as visionary leaders to produce the program are Jeffrey G. Proctor, MD (Chair), Georgia Urology; Eman A. Elkadry, MD, Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School; and Jennifer Yonaitis Fariello, MSN, CRNP, The Pelvic and Sexual Health Institute.
This CME/CE program will be available for two years, expiring on May 31, 2015. The program’s website, http://www.ichelpcme.org, is now accessible on mobile devices (iOS platforms).
This CME/CE was supported by the Cooperative Agreement Number 5U58DP002936-02 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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About the Interstitial Cystitis Association:
The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) is the only non-profit health association that advocates for interstitial cystitis (IC) research dedicated to discovery of a cure and better treatments, raises awareness, and serves as a central hub for the healthcare providers, researchers and millions of patients who suffer with constant urinary urgency and frequency and extreme bladder pain called IC. The ICA was established in 1984 to put a face on all those affected by IC and is dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare and lives of people living with IC. To fulfill its mission, the ICA pursues three core functions: advocacy, research, and education. http://www.ichelp.org
About the American Urogynecologic Society:
The American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS), founded in 1979, is the premier non-profit organization representing more than 1,600 members including practicing physicians, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, nurses and health care professionals, as well as researchers from many disciplines, all dedicated to improving female pelvic floor disorders. As the leader in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, AUGS promotes the highest quality patient care through excellence in education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit http://www.augs.org.
About the France Foundation:
The France Foundation (TFF) is accredited with commendation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) as a provider of education for physicians. The France Foundation is also an ACPE-accredited provider of continuing education for pharmacists. A recognized and award-winning leader in education for health care providers, The France Foundation staff of Medical Directors, led by an on-staff physician, have developed unique and highly effective educational interventions for over a decade. http://www.francefoundation.com
About the Nurse Practitioner Alternatives:
The Nurse Practitioner Alternatives (NPA) is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Diana Cummins, Interstitial Cystitis Association, 703-442-2070, [email protected]
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