Update on Management of Ulcerative Colitis- Free CEUs & Pharmacology Hours for NPs

Optimizing Treatment for Mild to Moderate Ulcerative Colitis– Recently, there has been a change in the assessment and management of ulcerative colitis (UC) that reflects the recognition of the importance of more objective measures of disease activity, such as endoscopic (mucosal) healing, since clinical criteria do not always correlate with actual mucosal disease. Studies in UC have correlated mucosal healing with lower rates of relapse, and lower rates of surgery and colorectal cancer. In this regard, clinicians should be aware that 5-ASA agents have demonstrated the ability to promote and sustain mucosal healing in patients with mild-to-moderate UC. This activity presents evidence based approaches for the consistent and appropriate use of currently available pharmacologic agents to promote and sustain mucosal healing and keep many patients in remission.
Assess the available treatment options for patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis in light of the risks and benefits associated with their use.
Differentiate among the 5-aminosalicylic acid formulations utilized for the first line treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis to promote adherence and optimize clinical and endoscopic remission.
Evaluate nonadherence as a major impediment to optimal clinical outcomes in patients with ulcerative colitis and employ approaches to overcome barriers and improve adherence to 5-ASA treatment regimens.
Establish strategies to improve communication between patients and healthcare providers concerning their perspectives and perceptions about the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and its management,