Cases and Conversations: Taking Positive Steps Toward Improved IPF Management

Target Audience

This online activity is direct towards PER’s extensive learner network of pulmonologists and critical care specialists. Nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, primary care physicians, and other healthcare professionals interested in the treatment of patients with IPF are also invited to participate in the educational curriculum.

Program Overview

This online educational activity is designed to provide lively expert commentary and guidance on managing patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a chronic, fatal, interstitial pneumonia, characterized by progressive fibrosis of the lung, decreased lung volume, and pulmonary insufficiency. Prognosis of IPF is poor, with death often occurring 2 to 5 years after diagnosis. In the past, an early diagnosis was considered of little importance because IPF was considered an untreatable and uniformly fatal disease. However, new therapies have given hope for the future of these patients and increased the initiative to promote a timely diagnosis. Using case-based presentations, a panel of experts discusses different aspects of 4 different patients’ cases to educate clinicians on guidelines for effective diagnostic evaluation of IPF, the use of current and emerging treatment options, and strategies to improve shared decision-making and multidisciplinary approaches in practice.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this educational activity, you should be better prepared to:

Describe the differential diagnosis, including signs, symptoms, and clinical assessment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Utilize evidence-based strategies to care for patients with IPF based on recent practice guidelines
Review the efficacy and safety data from clinical trials of emerging agents for patients with IPF
Discuss the roles of patient engagement and a multidisciplinary approach in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis therapy