The incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (NTM-MAC) has risen dramatically in recent decades, while the 5-year survival of patients with NTM-MAC infections remains similar to that of patients with lung cancer. Nonspecific symptoms and radiological findings that overlap with other pulmonary diseases often lead to delayed diagnoses of NTM-MAC, and treatment is challenging with the use of multiple antibiotic regimens and frequency of refractory disease. A free CME/ABIM MOC program developed by Rockpointe and the Potomac Center for Medical Education will help clinicians diagnose NTM-MAC, assess patients’ conditions, and make sound, evidence-based treatment decisions.
The American Lung Association estimates that about 86,000 people in the U.S. likely have NTM disease. The disease is of growing global concern given its increased prevalence in tropical zones, where 40% of the world’s population currently resides, a percentage that is increasing due to climate change. Until 2018, patients with progressive disease had little recourse beyond treatment with conventional antibiotics, but in recent years the availability of amikacin liposome inhalation suspension (ALIS) has provided another option for patients with NTM-MAC who do not achieve a negative sputum culture after a minimum of six consecutive months of a multidrug regimen therapy.
Management Strategies for Mycobacterium Avium Complex Infections: Diagnosis and Treatment of a Growing Health Threat is an hour-long continuing medical education (CME) activity geared toward pulmonologists and other clinicians who manage patients with NTM-MAC infections. Expert-led discussions will cover guideline-based diagnosis and treatment of NTM to improve clinician skill in identifying early clinical signs of NTM-MAC, diagnosis, treatment selection, and effective communication with patients regarding disease management. Participants who attend one of our live webinars will have the opportunity to interact in real time with program faculty and to engage in a dedicated question-and-answer session at the end of the activity. For those who are unable to attend one of the live sessions, an enduring webcourse will be available on demand until Aug. 22, 2023.
At the conclusion of the program, participants should be able to:
- Identify clinical features that raise the suspicion of NTM-MAC infection.
- Diagnose NTM-MAC based on current evidence-based diagnostic criteria.
- Evaluate the safety and efficacy of current and emerging therapies for NTM-MAC.
- Integrate guideline-based NTM-MAC therapies into treatment regimens based on current evidence.
- Communicate effectively with patients regarding NTM-MAC treatment selection, expectations of treatment, side effects, monitoring strategies, and treatment adherence.
Live webinar dates and times
Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022
7:00 – 8:00 PM ET (6:00 – 7:00 PM CT/4:00 – 5:00 PM PT)
Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022
7:30 – 8:30 PM ET (6:30 – 7:30 PM CT/4:30 – 5:30 PM PT)
Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022
7:00 – 8:00 PM ET (6:00 – 7:00 PM CT/4:00 – 5:00 PM PT)
Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022
7:30 – 8:30 PM ET (6:30 – 7:30 PM CT/4:30 – 5:30 PM PT)
This program is CME/ABIM MOC-certified and qualifies the participant for 1 hour of credit. There is no fee for this activity, which is supported by an educational grant from Insmed and is jointly provided by the Potomac Center for Medical Education (PCME) and Rockpointe, with patient resources provided by the CHEST Foundation. Full accreditation information will be provided to participants prior to starting the course.
Through effective accredited continuing medical education, Rockpointe/CCO, a leader in educational programming with more than 27 years of experience and a division of Clinical Education Alliance (CEA), strives to improve and advance the quality of patient care. Its educational programs have been at the forefront of new issues in healthcare, including implementing MIPS, combatting the nation’s opioid and COVID-19 crises, recognizing issues with vaping, and utilizing technical advances in care. Sign up for CCO/Rockpointe’s CME course catalog and view a list of current educational opportunities, including on-demand webcourse offerings and live webinars, at www.rockpointe.com and www.clinicaloptions.com
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To register for a Management Strategies for Mycobacterium Avium Complex Infections live webinar, click here. To view the enduring webcourse, click here.