Educational Outcomes
The outcomes data from continuing education (CE) activities developed by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) provides valuable information on current clinical gaps and provides guidance for future AANP CE endeavors.
For all AANP-developed CE activities, the Education Department applies a conceptual framework for higher-level outcomes assessment, developed by Donald E. Moore Jr. of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. AANP CE activity outcomes are measured via a variety of methods — including pretests, post-tests, evaluations and post-activity impact surveys, as applicable — which allows AANP to quantify knowledge acquisition and confidence in learners from preactivity to post-activity. For clarity and consistency, AANP aligns with the Outcome Standardization Project’s definitions when reporting data.
Listed below are preliminary and final outcomes summaries from projects spanning a variety of therapeutic areas relevant to primary care and specialty nurse practitioners (NPs).
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Aesthetics
Cosmetic Injectables: A Primer for Nurse Practitioners
Faculty: Lori Robertson, MSN, FNP-C, and Giddeon Kwok, D.O.
NPs in primary care and other settings frequently care for patients with cosmetic issues, and they are well-positioned to perform a variety of injectable cosmetic procedures independently or with some degree of physician involvement, depending on state requirements. However, outside of those already trained as aesthetic NPs, they may lack knowledge of the many available treatment options, patient motivations, and safety considerations. This activity included evidence-based education about the most common injectable cosmetic procedures - neuromodulators, fillers and biostimulators along with live demonstrations of injection techniques, taking a patient history, managing expectations, and safety considerations.
This activity was supported by an independent medical education grant from Abbvie, Inc., and Galderma Laboratories, L.P. Products used in this activity were provided in-kind by Galderma Laboratories, L.P.
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Cardiology
Managing Heart Failure: Implications of Guideline Changes for Clinical Practice
Faculty: Leslie Davis, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FPCNA, FAHA, FAANP, and Mary Ellen Roberts, DNP, RN, APNC, FAAN, FAANP.
This live and on-demand activity was designed to inform NPs of patient selection criteria, dosing and practical considerations for use of valsartan/sacubitril, an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), and ivabradine, a sinoatrial node inhibitor. It also reinforced the use of Guideline Directed Medical Therapy and assisted the provider in devising strategies that promote treatment adherence.
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Dermatology
Identifying and Managing Prurigo Nodularis
Faculty: Margaret Bobonich, DNP, FNP-C, DCNP, FAANP, and Leigh Ann Pansch, MSN, FNP-BC, DCNP.
Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a rare, chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by severe itching and hyperkeratotic nodules on the extremities and torso. This debilitating disorder is often under- or misdiagnosed for years, leaving patients with minimal relief. Fortunately, NPs and other primary care providers have new first-line treatment options available. This CE program is focused on helping NPs and PAs recognize the key characteristics of PN in diverse populations, understand the role of essential immunomodulators in its pathogenesis and explore evidence-based treatment strategies that incorporate both current and emerging therapies.
Injectable Cosmetic Treatments and the Nurse Practitioner: The Intersection of Patient Desires, Clinical Evidence and Professional Satisfaction
Faculty: Beth Haney, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, and Heather Roebuck, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP.
This enduring, audio-visual presentation provides the NP with strategies to identify appropriate candidates for nonsurgical cosmetic procedures and outline safety and efficacy considerations. Additionally, this activity featured video demonstrations of specific injection techniques on real patients.
Peeling Back the Layers: A Best-Practice Approach to Managing Atopic Dermatitis
Faculty: Margaret Bobonich, DNP, FNP-C, DCNP, FAANP; Peggy Vernon, RN, MA, CPNP, FAANP; and Susan Tofte, BSN, MS, FNP-C.
Peeling Back the Layers: A Best-Practice Approach to Managing Atopic Dermatitis, an AANP-accredited CE series funded by Pfizer, was presented as 10 live CE sessions between March and October 2019 by three nurse practitioner professionals with expertise in dermatology, then endured in the CE Center for 12 months. This unique activity utilized the graphic art of InfographEd to help explain key concepts and engage learners in case studies and content. Professionally analyzed by Derek Dietze of Metrics for Learning, positive results in each of the key objectives were realized.
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Endocrinology
Breaking News: Updates in Osteoporosis Management
Faculty: Christopher Hemmer, DNP, ANP, ONP-C, FAANP, and Laurel Short, DNP, FNP-C
In the U.S., 10 million people have osteoporosis, and each year, there will be 2 million fractures, 432,000 hospital admissions, and 180,000 nursing home admissions due to the disease. In a retrospective review of Medicare data, including 126,188 women 66 years of age and older, only 27.9% of women diagnosed with osteoporosis began treatment within a year of diagnosis. Through a combination of case-based scenarios and didactic content, this activity was designed to provide the NP with valuable tools to increase the screening and treatment of osteoporosis.
This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Amgen.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: Strategies to Improve Patient Outcomes
Faculty: Debbie Hinnen, APN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FAAN, FADCES, and Timothy Ray, DNP, CNP, CNN-NP.
Approximately 25% of patients with diabetes have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Due to the rising number of cases of diabetes and the high prevalence of obesity, this prevalence is estimated to increase to 54% by 2030. Data confirm the awareness of CKD in Type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains low among clinicians, especially those in primary care. This is because patients are typically asymptomatic. According to the Institute of Medicine, today’s clinicians are more challenged than ever before to remain current with relevant and timely clinical information. This gap in knowledge contributes to variation in care and less than optimal outcomes. Through two formats, interactive web-based and monograph, this activity is designed to give learners the tools and perspective they need to make confident decisions to successfully assess, diagnosis and manage CKD in patients with T2D.
This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company.
Continuous Glucose Management: A Comprehensive Review for the Nurse Practitioner
Faculty: Kathryn Evans Kreider, DNP, FNP-BC, BC-ADM.
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) remains the standard for assessing glycemic control and predicting the risk of long-term complications, but it lacks utility in daily diabetes self-management. This development has contributed to the more efficacious patient self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), which, in turn, supports improved self-management and medication adjustment. However, like HbA1c, SMBG is limited in that it measures glucose at a single point in time and provides no information regarding potentially pending hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Now, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is helping patients move beyond finger sticks and glucometers However, despite the rapid evolution of CGM and the increasing amounts of data available to patients and clinicians, real-world clinical acceptance of CGM has been relatively modest. This educational activity navigated the NP through the CGM environment to assist them in making the best, evidence-based treatment options for their patients.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Meeting Patient Needs
Faculty: Debbie Hinnen, APN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FAAN, FADCES.
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of Diabetes that occurs when high blood glucose levels damage the retinal blood vessels. Ophthalmic vascular changes in patients with Diabetes can lead to substantial morbidity due to retinal damage, vision loss, and/or blindness. In this activity, Debbie Hinnen, APN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FAAN, FADCES, guides the learner through the criteria to identify patients at risk for DR, screening tools that are available in primary care, and strategies to partner with patients to reduce barriers to attending screening and treatment appointments with their eye specialist.
This activity was supported by an independent educational grant from Regeneron.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Type 2 Diabetes Incorporating the Latest Treatment Options Into Individualized Care
Faculty: Dixie Harms, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C, BC-ADM, FAANP, and Shannon K. Idzik, DNP, CRNP, FAANP, FAAN.
Only 20% of people in the U.S. with T2D have an A1C that is within an acceptable range, leading to increased mortality and morbidity. This CE program was developed for NPs who see patients with T2D in primary care settings who must understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, benefits and risks of the latest available agents for the treatment of T2D to ensure rapid attainment and subsequent maintenance of HbA1C targets.
This activity was supported by an independent educational grant from Novo Nordisk.
Hypoglycemia in Diabetes: Prevent it, Prepare for it, Identify it and Treat it
Faculty: Debbie Hinnen, APN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, FAAN, and Kathryn Evans Kreider, DNP, FNP, BC-ADM, FAANP.
Hypoglycemia can affect anyone living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who is treated with insulin or oral insulin secretagogues. Much of diabetes care occurs in the primary care setting where NPs serve as important providers. As front-line providers, it is imperative that NPs are equipped to assess for hypoglycemia, provide education about hypoglycemia for their patients and to ensure that patients are prepared to treat hypoglycemia when it occurs. This activity focused on raising awareness of hypoglycemia and increasing the provider’s confidence in assessing for, educating about and treating hypoglycemia.
This activity was supported by an independent educational grant from Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Improving Care and Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Nurse Practitioner-led Charge for Overcoming Insulin Inertia
Faculty: Frances M. Sahebzamani, PhD, ARNP, FAANP; Shannon Idzik, DNP, CRNP, FAANP, FAAN; Angela Thompson, DNP, FNP-C, BC-ADM, CDE, FAANP; Cammie L. Hauser, MSN, APRN, CNM, FNP-C; and Amy Burdette, PhD.
AANP and medical education partner Med-IQ developed a multiphase intervention designed to connect 18 NP-led practices with expert faculty mentors via a 30-minute, CE-accredited teleconference to coach them on best practices and actionable strategies to successfully overcome barriers related to intensification of therapy and selection of optimal insulin for patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
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Gastroenterology
Biosimilars: Changing the Treatment Landscape for Inflammatory Conditions
Faculty: Lisa Kennedy Sheldon, PhD, ANP-BC, AOCNP, FAAN, and Sharon Dudley-Brown, PhD, FNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP
As biosimilars become available in the market to potentially lower costs of inflammatory conditions and increase patient access to highly effective and targeted therapies, NPs can help ensure patients obtain necessary education and can provide patient care. As front-line providers, NPs are in a unique position to educate patients on the adoption of biosimilars. Patients will look to NPs as patient advocates to answer their questions regarding the safety and efficacy of biosimilar agents. This activity focused on education to ensure NPs have the tools to answer their patients’ questions and guide the successful transition and utilization of biosimilar agents.
This activity was supported by an independent medical education grant from Pfizer.
What’s New with NASH?
Faculty: Kelly Casler, DNP, APRN-CNP, CHSE, EBP-C, FAANP, and Amanda Chaney, DNP, APRN, FAANP, AF-AASLD.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease and affects an estimated 25% of the adult population in the United States. About one-quarter of patients with MASLD have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Nurse practitioners are key providers for this population and need to stay abreast of best practices for screening, diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. This educational program was designed to positively affect clinician practice patterns by providing learners with strategies for translating and applying new information into clinical practice.
This program was supported by independent medical educational grants from Madrigal Pharmaceuticals & Novo Nordisk Inc.
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Health Promotion
Colorectal Cancer Screening: What’s New and Why
Faculty: Wendy Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second deadliest form of cancer, behind only lung cancer. In 2022, about 151,000 adults will be diagnosed with CRC, and about 52,600 people will die from CRC. Despite knowing that early detection of CRC is critical to reducing cancer-related mortality, about 1 in 3 adults aged 50-75 years is not undergoing recommended screening. This educational activity focused on education to ensure NPs have an increased awareness of CRC screening recommendations for average-risk adults as young as 45 years.
This activity was supported by an independent medical education grant from Exact Sciences.
Meningococcal Vaccine: Prevention of Serogroup B Meningococcal Disease in Adolescents and Young Adults
Faculty: Mary Koslap-Petraco, DNP, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, FAANP, and Audrey Stevenson, Ph.D., MPH, MSN, FNP-BC.
Prevention of Serogroup B Meningococcal Disease in Adolescents and Young Adults, an AANP-accredited monograph, provided NPs education on the clinical presentation of MenB and the complications post-illness. Additionally, it covered the various MenB vaccines available, vaccine indications for adolescents and young adults and strategies to overcome disparities in vaccination rates and reduce vaccination barriers. The data was professionally analyzed by Derek Dietze of Metrics for Learning and is included on this outcomes poster.
Supported by an independent educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline.
Pneumococcal Vaccination Across the Lifespan
Faculty: Ruth M. Carrico, PhD, DNP, APRN, CIC, FSHEA, FNAP, FAAN and Mary Koslap-Petraco, DNP, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, FAANP.
Pneumococcal disease is the second most common cause of vaccine-preventable disease, yet vaccination rates remain suboptimal. NPs are well-positioned to improve pneumococcal vaccination uptake. This educational program was designed to provide learners with the most current information about pneumococcal vaccination and equip them with the necessary skills to facilitate impactful conversations with their patients about vaccination.
This activity was supported by an independent educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc.
Shingles Vaccination: It’s Time to Tame the Beast Lurking Within
Faculty: Ruth Carrico, PhD, DNP, FNP-C, CIC, FSHEA, FNAP and Audrey Stevenson, PhD, MPH, MSN, FNP-BC.
An estimated 1 million cases of shingles occur annually in the United States. Despite the evidence for benefits associated with the shingles vaccine, vaccination rates remain suboptimal. NPs are well positioned to improve shingles vaccination rates. This activity — which included a monograph, podcast and educational tool — was designed to provide learners with evidence-based knowledge and strategies for translating and applying new information regarding the burden of disease and shingles vaccination to daily clinical practice.
This activity was supported by an educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline.
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Hematology and Oncology
Chronic Kidney Disease Associated Anemia Treatment: Scientific Advances for Healthcare Providers – On-Demand & Live Case Study Presentations
Faculty: Margaret Butler, MSN, APRN, NP-C, CNN-NP, and Timothy Ray, DNP, CNP, CNN-NP
Anemia occurs at twice the rate in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) relative to the general population and increases as CKD worsens. This creates a symptomatic burden which includes fatigue, shortness of breath, impaired exercise tolerance, difficulty concentrating and reduced quality of life. Additionally, lower hemoglobin levels increase the risk for left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure, infections and death. This educational program was focused on evaluation and treatment of CKD-associated anemia.
This educational activity is supported by an educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline.
Colorectal Cancer Screening: What’s New and Why
Faculty: Wendy Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second deadliest form of cancer, behind only lung cancer. In 2022, about 151,000 adults will be diagnosed with CRC, and about 52,600 people will die from CRC. Despite knowing that early detection of CRC is critical to reducing cancer-related mortality, about 1 in 3 adults aged 50-75 years is not undergoing recommended screening. This educational activity focused on education to ensure NPs have an increased awareness of CRC screening recommendations for average-risk adults as young as 45 years.
This activity was supported by an independent medical education grant from Exact Sciences.
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Infectious Disease
COVID-19 Management in the Non-hospitalized Patient
Faculty: Wendy Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP and Ruth Carrico, PhD, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CIC, FSHEA, FNAP, FAAN.
The content for this outcomes poster stems from a three-part webinar series on COVID-19 outpatient treatment. The content was updated prior to parts two and three to ensure that attendees received up-to-date information. The three live webinars included a question-and-answer (Q&A) session that took place on Jan. 12, 2023, May 10, 2023 and Oct. 23, 2023, respectively.
A Case in the Life: COVID-19
Faculty: Paula Tucker, DNP, FNP-BC, ENP-C, FAANP, and Bob Smithing, MSN, FNP, ARNP, FAANP.
This activity was a three-part webinar series on COVID-19. Each webinar offered a PowerPoint presentation and a tracer case study that followed the patient from primary care to the emergency department and back to primary care. The live webinar activities were offered in July 2020, October 2020 and February 2021 and each included a question-and-answer (Q&A) session with the faculty. The activities were available on demand in the AANP CE Center for four to 10 weeks after the live presentation.
Meningococcal Vaccine: Prevention of Serogroup B Meningococcal Disease in Adolescents and Young Adults
Faculty: Mary Koslap-Petraco, DNP, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, FAANP, and Audrey Stevenson, Ph.D., MPH, MSN, FNP-BC.
Prevention of Serogroup B Meningococcal Disease in Adolescents and Young Adults, an AANP-accredited monograph, provided NPs education on the clinical presentation of MenB and the complications post-illness. Additionally, it covered the various MenB vaccines available, vaccine indications for adolescents and young adults and strategies to overcome disparities in vaccination rates and reduce vaccination barriers. The data was professionally analyzed by Derek Dietze of Metrics for Learning and is included on this outcomes poster.
Supported by an independent educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline.
Pneumococcal Vaccination Across the Lifespan
Faculty: Ruth M. Carrico, PhD, DNP, APRN, CIC, FSHEA, FNAP, FAAN and Mary Koslap-Petraco, DNP, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, FAANP.
Pneumococcal disease is the second most common cause of vaccine-preventable disease, yet vaccination rates remain suboptimal. NPs are well-positioned to improve pneumococcal vaccination uptake. This educational program was designed to provide learners with the most current information about pneumococcal vaccination and equip them with the necessary skills to facilitate impactful conversations with their patients about vaccination.
This activity was supported by an independent educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc.
Updated Guidelines for HPV Vaccination: Preteens to Adults
Faculty: Ruth M. Carrico, PhD, DNP, APRN, CIC, FSHEA, FNAP, FAAN.
Research models predict that Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination can prevent approximately 70% of cervical cancers, as well as the other HPV-associated cancers and genital warts in men and women. Yet vaccination rates fall well below the Healthy People 2030 objective of 80% vaccination coverage by age 13 to 15 for all sexes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified vaccine hesitancy as one of the top ten threats to global health. Dr. Ruth Carrico, PhD, DNP, APRN, CIC guides the learner though the latest evidence-based guidelines for HPV vaccination and strategies to address vaccine hesitancy across the lifespan. The implementation of role playing case study vignettes help demonstrate patient vaccine counseling techniques.
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Nephrology
Advances in the Science of Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Anemia: Primary Concerns for Healthcare Providers
Faculty: Timothy Ray, DNP, CNP, CNN-NP.
Advances in the Science of Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Anemia: Primary Concerns for Healthcare Providers, funded by AstraZeneca PLP, launched in the AANP CE Center on February 10, 2021. Despite an earlier than expected retirement of the program by the funder, 2,367 NPs earned CE and pharmacology credit for this challenging topic. Learners were able to utilize interactive 3D graphics to better understand key concepts in renal metabolism and pharmacokinetics, with a 122% increase in knowledge pre to post and a potential positive impact of 31,983 patients per week, as reported by NPs who completed the activity and see patients with CKD.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: Strategies to Improve Patient Outcomes
Faculty: Debbie Hinnen, APN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FAAN, FADCES, and Timothy Ray, DNP, CNP, CNN-NP
Approximately 25% of patients with diabetes have CKD. Due to the rising number of cases of diabetes and the high prevalence of obesity, this prevalence is estimated to increase to 54% by 2030. Data confirm the awareness of CKD in T2D remains low among clinicians, especially those in primary care. This is because patients are typically asymptomatic. According to the Institute of Medicine, today’s clinicians are more challenged than ever before to remain current with relevant and timely clinical information. This gap in knowledge contributes to variation in care and less than optimal outcomes. Through two formats, interactive web-based and monograph, this activity is designed to give learners the tools and perspective they need to make confident decisions to successfully assess, diagnosis and manage CKD in patients with T2D.
This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company.
Chronic Kidney Disease Associated Anemia Treatment: Scientific Advances for Healthcare Providers – On-Demand & Live Case Study Presentations
Faculty: Margaret Butler, MSN, APRN, NP-C, CNN-NP, and Timothy Ray, DNP, CNP, CNN-NP
Anemia occurs at twice the rate in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) relative to the general population and increases as CKD worsens. This creates a symptomatic burden which includes fatigue, shortness of breath, impaired exercise tolerance, difficulty concentrating and reduced quality of life. Additionally, lower hemoglobin levels increase the risk for left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure, infections and death. This educational program was focused on evaluation and treatment of CKD-associated anemia.
This educational activity is supported by an educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline.
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Neurology
Alzheimer's Disease Updates for Nurse Practitioners
Faculty: Valerie Cotter, DrNP, AGPCNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, and Carolyn Clevenger, DNP, GNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FGSA.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents a significant health concern for the aging population of the United States, currently affecting an estimated 6.5 million American adults aged 65 years and older. Without medical intervention to prevent, slow or cure the disease, the burden of AD in the U.S. could grow to nearly 14 million by 2060. More than 70% of practicing NPs provide primary care services, and an increasing number of older adults — including Medicare recipients — are utilizing NPs as their primary care providers. However, less than 12% of NPs report receiving specialized education focused on geriatric care. As the burden of AD is expected to grow, there is an urgent need to equip NPs with the most up-to-date recommendations and emerging research on AD care. CE focused on the diagnosis and management of AD, including early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is needed to improve the confidence and aptitude of NPs to promote optimal AD care.
This activity was supported by an educational grant from Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.
The Role of CGRP in Migraine
Faculty: Calli Leigh Cook, DNP, APRN, FNP-C.
Migraine is a considerable cause of morbidity and health care resource utilization worldwide. More than 1 billion people suffer from migraine, resulting in 45.1 million years of life lived with disability in 2016 and making migraine the leading cause of disability among people younger than 50 years. Yet, despite the considerable disability and impairment associated with migraine, the disease continues to be underrecognized in clinical practice. Through two formats, interactive web-based and monograph, this activity was designed to give learners the tools and perspective they need to make confident decisions to successfully treat patients with migraine and overcome barriers that may impact patient outcomes.
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Obesity Management
Clinical Advantage Bootcamp: Obesity Management Fundamentals
Faculty: Angela Golden, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP; Christina Funk, DNP, FNP-C, APNP; Joy Pape, MSN, RN, FNP-C, CDCES, CFCN, FADCES; Karli Burridge, PA-C, MMS, FOMA; Sandra Christensen, MSN, ARNP, FOMA; and Sharon Fruh, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP.
A survey of NPs and other primary care providers (PCPs) identified practice barriers, including knowledge gaps related to obesity care, lack of confidence in managing patients with obesity, time constraints and a reluctance to discuss weight during routine visits. In a recent survey of physicians and NPs, 59% of PCPs waited for patients to bring up the subject of weight. The AANP Obesity Bootcamp program successfully addressed these gaps and barriers. It led many NPs to make significant changes in their communication with and management of patients with overweight or obesity.
Transforming Health Care for the Patient With Overweight and Obesity
Faculty: Angela Golden, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, and Sandra Christensen, MSN, ARNP, FOMA.
The goal of this activity was to provide NPs with the most current, evidence-based information for the patient-centered management of obesity with an ultimate goal of improved health and quality of life for patients having overweight and obesity.
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Pain Management
Opioid Induced Constipation: Moving Your Patients in the Right Direction
Faculty: Vicki Morton, DNP, AGNP-BC.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), clinicians in the United States wrote 259 million prescriptions for pain medications in 2012, with approximately 4% of U.S. adults taking chronic opioid therapy, mainly for noncancer pain. Opiate analgesics are increasingly being recommended to patients to alleviate severe, acute noncancer pain and chronic, moderate-to-severe noncancer pain. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is the most common opioid-related adverse effect, affecting up to 70% of patients on long-term opioid therapy. OIC also has a significant impact on patient quality of life (QoL). Patients with OIC experience reduced work productivity, limitations on activities of daily living and social interactions, reductions in dietary choices, impairment of pain management and greater health care resource utilization. This interactive, on-demand activity provided NPs the information needed to navigate this complex environment to make the best evidence-based treatment options for their patients.
Safe Opioid Prescribing Series: How to Safely and Effectively Treat Pain in Primary Care
Faculty: Randall Hudspeth, PhD, MBA, MS, APRN-CNP/CNS, FRE, FAANP, NEA-BC, and Theresa Towle, DNP, FNP-BC, CNRN.
This on-demand educational intervention was designed to assist NPs in rural areas, private practice, or smaller settings not affiliated with larger organizations or health care systems who are not familiar with the current national treatment and prescribing guidelines. AANP jointly developed this activity with the National Nurse-Led Care Consortium under the Nurse Practitioner Support & Alignment Network (NP SAN), funded by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS).
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Primary Care
Chronic Kidney Disease Associated Anemia Treatment: Scientific Advances for Healthcare Providers – On-Demand & Live Case Study Presentations
Faculty: Margaret Butler, MSN, APRN, NP-C, CNN-NP, and Timothy Ray, DNP, CNP, CNN-NP
Anemia occurs at twice the rate in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) relative to the general population and increases as CKD worsens. This creates a symptomatic burden which includes fatigue, shortness of breath, impaired exercise tolerance, difficulty concentrating and reduced quality of life. Additionally, lower hemoglobin levels increase the risk for left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure, infections and death. This educational program was focused on evaluation and treatment of CKD-associated anemia.
This educational activity is supported by an educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline.
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Psych and Mental Health
Improving Recognition, Assessment and Management of Tardive Dyskinesia
Faculty: Sataria Dilks, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FAANP.
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) affects an estimated 500,000 individuals in the U.S., with 60% to 70% of cases considered mild, and approximately 3% classified as severe. A lack of knowledge about the attributes of movement disorders, such as disappearance with sleep or fluctuation with anxiety, may result in symptoms of TD being misinterpreted by health care providers as voluntary or attention-seeking. An AANP-accredited activity addressed this lack of understanding and significantly increased the learner's knowledge and competence in recognizing TD, as well as their familiarity with factors that may cause an increased risk for TD.
Major Depressive Disorder: Evidence-Based Strategies to Improve Patient Outcomes
Faculty: Lisa Anderson, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC and Brayden Kameg, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, CNE.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people in the United States and yet remains an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. National guidelines recommend routine screening for MDD in the general adult population alongside procedures to ensure accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and appropriate follow-up. Optimal management of MDD requires engagement from primary care providers (PCPs), as an estimated 10% of all primary care visits are related to MDD. About two-thirds of patients receive MDD treatment from PCPs only. Nurse practitioners play an integral role in diagnosing, managing and treating MDD. This activity was designed to increase knowledge among NPs regarding the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing monitoring of MDD.
This activity was supported by an educational grant from Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.
Major Depressive Disorder: Screening Strategies and Treatment Options for the Nurse Practitioner
Faculty: Brayden Kameg, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CARN, CNE.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common mental disorder in the United States, accounting for an average of 8 million ambulatory care visits per year. However, despite the morbidity and mortality associated with MDD and the considerable toll on productivity and quality of life, many patients are not appropriately screened for MDD, and they do not receive adequate treatment. Through a combination of live, case-based scenarios and didactic content, this activity was designed to provide the NP with valuable tools to care for patients with depression in the primary care setting.
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Pulmonary and Respiratory
Case Studies in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Faculty: Susan Corbridge, PhD, APRN, FAANP, FCCP, FAAN, and Corinne Young, MSN, FNP-C, FCCP.
Case Studies in COPD: Important Updates for Nurse Practitioners was presented as an enduring audiocast by expert NPs Dr. Susan Corbridge and Corinne Young. The program was available from Sept. 3, 2021, to Sept. 2, 2022, for 2.0 contact hours (CH) of CE credit, 1.0 hours of which could be used toward pharmacology.
Of the 5,482 learners completing the activity, 3,848 reported seeing patients with COPD weekly. Of those, 93% indicated that the activity provided them with at least one key takeaway, which included more frequent use of office portable spirometry to classify and gauge COPD severity and use of a stepwise approach to determine whether a patient was suffering a COPD exacerbation versus COVID-19 infection.
This activity was supported by independent educational grants from Viatris and AstraZeneca, PLP.
Influenza Update and Review
Faculty: Ruth Carrico, PhD, DNP, APRN, CIC.
This enduring, audio-visual presentation provides the NP with education on preventing and treating influenza in the outpatient setting, including precision vaccination and current guidelines for antiviral treatment. Case studies aid the learner in applying the knowledge they have gained using real-life clinical scenarios, and whiteboard animation videos illustrate key information in an entertaining format.
This activity is available in the AANP CE Center until May 31, 2021.
Outcomes for Strategies to Facilitate Smoking Cessation (Final Report)
Faculty: Joelle Fathi, DNP, RN, ARNP, NCTTP.
Dr. Fathi guides the learner through smoking cessation counseling and pharmacotherapy in this activity. Role playing vignette videos allow the learner to see counseling techniques applied to a case scenario.
Pneumococcal Vaccination Across the Lifespan
Faculty: Ruth M. Carrico, PhD, DNP, APRN, CIC, FSHEA, FNAP, FAAN and Mary Koslap-Petraco, DNP, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, FAANP.
Pneumococcal disease is the second most common cause of vaccine-preventable disease, yet vaccination rates remain suboptimal. NPs are well-positioned to improve pneumococcal vaccination uptake. This educational program was designed to provide learners with the most current information about pneumococcal vaccination and equip them with the necessary skills to facilitate impactful conversations with their patients about vaccination.
This activity was supported by an independent educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension-Group 1: What the Primary Care NP Needs to Know
Faculty: Martha Kingman, DNP, FNP-C, and Susan McDevitt, MSN, ACNP-BC.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a debilitating, progressive disease that requires specialized management. NPs with adult patients must be familiar with PAH pathology and differentiate symptoms of PAH from other pulmonary diseases in order to establish a diagnosis and initiate prompt referral to a PAH specialist.
This program was presented as two live webinars and an on-demand enduring CE activity, accompanied by a resource tool. Learners completing the program numbered 3,128, 89.2% of which were NPs. Overall, knowledge among participants increased 43% and confidence increased 50%. Those committing to practice changes such as earlier screening, utilizing ECHO for diagnosis and early referral to specialty centers were 87%.Sponsored by an independent educational grant from Actelion.
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Rheumatology
Biosimilars: Changing the Treatment Landscape for Inflammatory Conditions
Faculty: Lisa Kennedy Sheldon, PhD, ANP-BC, AOCNP, FAAN, and Sharon Dudley-Brown, PhD, FNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP.
As biosimilars become available in the market to potentially lower costs of inflammatory conditions and increase patient access to highly effective and targeted therapies, NPs can help ensure patients obtain necessary education and can provide patient care. As front-line providers, NPs are in a unique position to educate patients on the adoption of biosimilars. Patients will look to NPs as patient advocates to answer their questions regarding the safety and efficacy of biosimilar agents. This activity focused on education to ensure NPs have the tools to answer their patients’ questions and guide the successful transition and utilization of biosimilar agents.
This activity was supported by an independent medical education grant from Pfizer.
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Substance Use Disorder
Identifying and Managing Alcohol Use Disorder in Primary Care
Faculty: Colleen Barry, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CARN-AP, CSAP, and Laura G. Leahy, DrNP, APRN, PMH-CNS/FNP, CARN-AP, FAANP, FAAN.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by problematic patterns of alcohol consumption that lead to compulsive drinking and loss of control of alcohol use. According to data from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 14.5 million people 12 years and older in the United States met the clinical criteria for AUD, and more than 1 in 4 adults over 18 years of age reported at least one episode of binge drinking within the previous 90 days. This is a treatable disease and can be safely managed — or have treatment initiated — by most advanced practice providers.
This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Alkermes.