CREDIT HOURS

2.0 CME/CPE
 
EDUCATIONAL OVERVIEW

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Hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP) and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP) continue to place a substantial clinical and economic burden on healthcare systems despite prevention efforts. VABP is associated with high mortality that can range from 20% to 50%. Though HABP is considered less severe than VABP, serious complications occur in approximately half of these cases. Compounding the challenges of treating HABP/VABP is the prevalence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, including ESBL-producing and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and MDR P. aeruginosa. As the CDC and WHO have identified these Gram-negative pathogens as serious healthcare threats, Infectious Disease specialists must continue to spread awareness and implement strategies to minimize the burden of these infections that complement antimicrobial stewardship efforts.

Clinicians must be aware of the latest tools that can greatly enhance their ability to effectively identify and manage HABP/VABP caused by MDR gram-negative pathogens. These tools include rapid diagnostics that can accurately detect resistant pathogens as well as potent antimicrobial agents with novel modes of action that can overcome resistance mechanisms. ID clinicians must have a thorough understanding of the properties of the newer therapeutic options in order to optimally utilize therapeutics in a pathogen-specific manner when confronted with MDR pathogens.

This program is designed to build competence, confidence, and skills in the management of HABP/VABP while increasing the understanding of how to utilize the latest tools as part of antimicrobial stewardship efforts and interprofessional healthcare team.

TARGET AUDIENCE

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This continuing medical education activity is planned to meet the needs of healthcare providers in a variety of practice settings, including large and small health systems, outpatient clinics, managed-care organizations, long-term care facilities, and academia. This activity would be especially beneficial for ID physicians and pharmacists who are on the frontline of managing patients with serious bacterial infections.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

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At the conclusion of the educational activity, the learner should be able to:

• Discuss current epidemiological trends and resistance mechanisms of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria
• Differentiate between hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP) and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP) when considering the burden, cause, and management approaches
• Identify how to optimally utilize the available tools aimed at improving clinical outcomes of patients with HABP/VABP, including rapid diagnostic techniques and newer antimicrobial agents
• Evaluate the benefits in utilizing a pathogen-specific approach when managing patients with HABP/VABP caused by MDR Gram-negative pathogens

PROGRAM AGENDA

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Registration and Dinner: 6:00 – 6:30 PM Educational Program: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
6:30 – 6:40 PM	Welcome and Introduction Patient Case Introduction Keith Kaye, MD
6:40 – 7:00 PM	Epidemiology and Mechanisms of MDR Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections Keith Kaye, MD
7:00 – 7:20 PM	Available Tools to Address Challenges of MDR Gram-Negative Infections George Karam, MD
7:20 – 7:45 PM	Strategies in Managing HABP/VABP: A Review of the Clinical Evidence Richard Wunderink, MD
7:45 – 8:05 PM	Maximizing Outcomes in the Management of HABP/VABP James Lewis, PharmD
8:05 – 8:15 PM	Patient Case Conclusions Led by James Lewis, PharmD
8:15 – 8:30 PM	Learning by Sharing: Q and A

FEE 

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There is no fee to participate in this educational activity.

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

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Physicians
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Center for Independent Healthcare Education (Center) and Vemco MedEd. Center is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1
Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Physician Assistants
AAPA accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ for the PRA from organizations accredited by ACCME.

Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioners will receive certificate of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ as this is an ACCME accredited program and its accreditation is recognized by Nurse Practitioner boards.

Pharmacists
Center for Independent Healthcare Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider for continuing pharmacy education. Center has assigned 2.0 contact hours (0.2 CEUs) of continuing pharmacy education credits for participating in this activity.

ACPE UAN: 0473-9999-19-005-L01-P        Activity type: Application-based

For questions regarding accreditation, please contact

INSTRUCTION FOR CREDIT

DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Jointly provided by
Center for Independent Healthcare Education and Vemco MedEd

Supported by an educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc.

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