ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) has launched a comprehensive continuing medical education initiative for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other health care providers about chronic constipation (CC). Known as E-IMPACCT, which stands for Elderly IMProvements and Advances in Chronic Constipation Treatment, this program presents educational activities on evaluating and managing CC and offers a range of tools to help clinicians in everyday practice.
“Because of the cascade of complex health issues that can be triggered by chronic constipation, clinicians have expressed their need for targeted education about CC,” said ASCP Executive Director and CEO John Feather. “Clinicians need to identify, recognize, and differentiate CC and have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of each of the treatments and medications, the side effects, and administration and efficacy data.”
E-IMPACCT provides outcomes-based knowledge through an ongoing, thorough awareness campaign with educational components that will roll out over a 12-month period. Through this initiative, participants are presented with new information and certified continuing education (CE) activities, patient cases, and guidelines designed to help clinicians better manage CC and improve outcomes in today’s seniors. This knowledge will help practitioners individualize regimens for their patients and will improve the provider’s confidence in the course of action chosen.
“For all clinicians, the management strategies for treating chronic constipation in the elderly should include a combination of patient and caregiver education and communication, dietary modifications, and treatment options,” commented ASCP Director of Professional and Educational Affairs Trish D’Antonio Mazzuca. “Educational outcomes from E-IMPACCT will measure changes in clinician knowledge and behavior and improvements in patient care.”
Chronic constipation is a condition that impacts the lives of millions of older adults in the United States. It is the most common digestive complaint in the general population and is associated with substantial costs. In seniors, roughly 26% of men and 34% of women complain of constipation. Americans spend approximately $800 million per year on over-the-counter laxatives. Severe constipation can lead to serious medical problems that may even require surgery. Fecal impaction is a serious concern in particular for nursing facilities, and without adequate treatment, it may lead to significant complications.
Components of E-IMPACCT include live meetings and symposia, Web-based educational programs, audio conferences with live faculty question-and-answer sessions, and a dynamic Web page, http://www.elderlyconstipation.org/. Through the Web page and via opportunities at live meetings, health care practitioners may order free CC support tools, including clinician pocket guides, clinical reference cards, an in-service tool kit to train other health care providers, and patient information and education. An awareness campaign is designed to kick off the initiative so health care providers know these resources are available to them at no cost.
The ASCP E-IMPACCT initiative is supported by an educational grant from
Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. and is sponsored through a collaboration of ASCP, AKH Inc., and Medical Communications Media, Inc. (MCM).
The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, the recognized expert in geriatric pharmacotherapy, is the international professional association that provides leadership, education, advocacy, and resources to advance the practice of consultant and senior care pharmacy. ASCP’s 7,000 members manage and improve medication therapy and improve the quality of life of geriatric patients and other individuals residing in a variety of environments, including nursing and subacute care facilities, assisted living communities, psychiatric hospitals, hospice programs, and in home and community-based care. Visit ASCP’s Web site at http://www.ascp.com/.
For more information contact: Trish D'Antonio Mazzuca, RPh, MS, MBA, CGP Director of Professional and Educational Affairs American Society of Consultant Pharmacists 703-739-1316, ext. 105 [email protected]
American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
CONTACT: Trish D’Antonio Mazzuca of the American Society of ConsultantPharmacists, +1-703-739-1314, ext. 105, [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.ascp.com/http://www.elderlyconstipation.org/
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