Understanding rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is crucial for healthcare professionals, as it is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis and affects a large number of Americans. This condition can cause chronic inflammation and joint deformity, and it mainly impacts women. Moreover, treatment options and guidelines are constantly changing, as evidenced by updated recommendations from the American College of Rheumatology in 2021. To address this need for current information, this course focuses on the latest approved medications, including new biological drugs, and outlines current best practices for treating RA based on disease severity. The goal is to provide healthcare professionals with the practical knowledge needed for effective RA treatment, ultimately improving patient well-being.

At the conclusion of this continuing education activity, the participant will be able to:

1. Describe the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
2. Recognize the signs and symptoms of RA.
3. Identify the clinical and laboratory diagnostic factors.
4. Evaluate various nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment strategies available for RA.
5. Identify strategies to treat and monitor with RA.

AchieveCE is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. AchieveCE is also accredited by the Florida Board of Pharmacy (provider no. 50-20641).

AchieveCE is designated as an Approved PACE Program Provider by the Academy of General Dentistry. The formal continuing education programs of this program provider are accepted by the AGD for Fellowship/Mastership and membership maintenance credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial board of dentistry or AGD endorsement. The current term of approval extends from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2025. Provider ID# 386503.

AchieveCE is an approved provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Georgia Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

AchieveCE is also an approved provider by various state boards. Find the complete list here.

Elif Özdener Poyraz is an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences of Fairleigh Dickinson University.

This activity was developed by AchieveCE free of any commercial support. Elif Özdener-Poyraz, PharmD, MPH, BCACP, AAHIVP, faculty for this educational event, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Pete Kreckel, RPh, planner for this educational event, also has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclos

  Level 2. Basic Application of Skills and Concepts