ACPE
Universal Program Number: 207-000-08-007-H04-P
Release Date: July 1, 2008
Expiration Date: July 1, 2011
Statement
of Need
According to
a national survey from 2002, low back pain was identified as the
fifth most common reason for all physician visits in the United
States and is reported to affect about 6 percent of American adults
each day. The lifetime prevalence of low back pain is estimated
to be between 60–70 percent; however, only 25–30 percent
of those afflicted will seek medical care. Most patients with
acute low back pain will experience symptom resolution within
four to six weeks, and after three months, 80–90 percent
of patients will improve regardless of treatment modality.
The remaining 10 percent of patients will progress to develop
chronic low back pain, defined as pain that is present for greater
than three months, which is beyond the time it normally takes
for tissue to heal. Between 20–45 percent of patients who
have experienced an episode of low back pain are likely to have
a recurrence within one year, with as many as 85 percent developing
a recurrence in their lifetime. Direct health care costs attributable
to low back pain were estimated at $26.3 billion in 1998, and
chronic low back pain accounts for 65–85 percent of these
costs.
Instructions for Participation
To receive a certificate of completion that indicates your eligibility for continuing education credit, you must:
- Review the content of the activity.
- Successfully complete the post-test (70% or higher).
- You will have two (2) opportunities to successfully complete the activity.
Your statement of credit will be issued immediately upon successful completion of the post-test and submission of the evaluation.
Fee
There is no fee for this activity.
Accreditation
Pharmacists
NCPA
is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This program will
provide 2.0 contact hours (.20 CEUs) of continuing pharmacy education
credit under the number 207-000-08-007-H04-P.
Faculty
Michele Matthews,
PharmD, RPh, is an assistant professor of pharmacy practice
at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and
an adjunct assistant professor of Family Medicine and Community
Health at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, both in
Worcester, Massachusetts.
Disclosure Declaration
It is the policy of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, scientific rigor, and integrity in all of their continuing education activities.
The author, sponsor, and publisher of this continuing education activity have made all reasonable efforts to ensure that information contained herein is accurate in accordance with the latest available scientific knowledge at the time of accreditation of this continuing education program. Information regarding drugs (e.g., their administration, dosages, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, special warnings, precautions) and drug delivery systems are subject to change, however, the reader is advised to check the manufacturer's package insert for information concerning recommended dosage and potential problems or cautions prior to dispensing or administering the drug or using the drug delivery systems.
Approval of credit for this continuing education activity does not imply endorsement by NCPA of any product or manufacturer identified.
Any medications or treatment methods suggested in this CE activity should not be used by the practitioner without evaluation of their patient's condition(s) and possible contraindication(s) or danger(s) of use of any specific medication.
Software Requirement