Program #825 • Available Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ through Saturday, December 08, 2007

SARS Update: Preparing for a Possible Outbreak in the United States

 

Program Description

In this program, Dr. Michael Grey discusses steps that practitioners can take to prepare for and deal with a potential outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Dr. Grey summarizes the epidemiology and pathogenesis of SARS, and he discusses the differential diagnosis of this potentially fatal infectious disease within the context of two hypothetical cases. In the first, a patient presents with an atypical and rapidly progressing pneumonia of unknown origin; the patient is a strong candidate for SARS based on his risk factors (he has recently traveled to a SARS-endemic region of the world) and his clinical presentation. Conversely, in the second case, a patient with an upper respiratory infection is not a likely candidate for SARS because she lacks key elements of the typical SARS patient history and clinical presentation. Yet SARS must also be considered in her differential diagnosis. Laboratory and imaging tests to identify the SARS coronavirus are summarized. Dr. Grey discusses the importance of expediting sputum samples to a local health department or directly to the CDC. He reviews isolation and quarantine procedures that will be necessary if a SARS outbreak occurs, and he addresses palliative care for SARS patients. This telecourse also emphasizes the key role that general practitioners can play in calming patient apprehension about the onset of "normal" flu-like symptoms that are not symptoms of SARS. Viewers are informed about CDC and WHO Web sites that provide SARS updates.

(60 minutes)

Credit Information

Up to 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

This activity is designed for primary care physicians and other clinicians who are interested in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Learning Objectives

After taking part in this CME activity, participants should be able to:

CME Credit Designations

ACCME The Network for Continuing Medical Education (NCME) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA NCME designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AAFP This activity has been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 2 Prescribed credits by the American Academy of Family Physicians. AAFP accreditation begins Thursday, December 08, 2005. Term of approval is for one year from this date, with option for yearly renewal.

AOA This activity is eligible for up to 2 hours of credit in Category 2-A of the American Osteopathic Association.