These revised modules include new topics, such as the utilization of the rheumatology team and an overview of complementary and alternative medicine in rheumatic patients. Also, topics have been broken down into smaller sections for an overview of rheumatic diseases in addition to their disease management and medications for professionals new to rheumatology. These courses will be for those in either pediatric or adult practice settings. Both the prior authorization and infusion therapy modules have been revised, thus providing up-to-date content.
Lastly, the new and much improved FRC is expected to launch this month (June) or soon after on the ACR Learning Management System. This major project is being ably steered by Geri B. Neuberger, RN, APRN, MN, EdD, scientific editor.
Both the ARC and FRC will have Health Professional Online Education Grants available, with applications being accepted after July 1, 2017.
eBytes
The new kid on the block, eBytes, went live on the ACR Learning Management System this past January. This product was designed for busy professionals seeking short bursts of education (30 minutes or less). eBytes currently comprises three osteoarthritis and three rheumatoid arthritis modules, providing an overview of each disease and its manifestations, as well as best strategies for disease management.
Modules can be viewed on your computer or mobile device, and CME credits are available upon completion. Most importantly, a vote by the ARHP Executive Committee last fall made eBytes complimentary to current ACR and ARHP members.
The development and launch of eBytes can be credited to Scientific Editor Benjamin Smith, PA-C, DFAAPA. The initial success of these byte-sized learning opportunities will certainly result in the development of many more eByte modules covering a wide range of topics.
In Progress
Over the next 18 months, the ARHP eLearning Subcommittee will be working on two new projects. The first of these will be to create a curriculum map of the NP/PA Rheumatology Curriculum Outline that was recently endorsed by the ACR Board of Directors. The NP/PA Rheumatology Curriculum Outline describes the competency areas (topics, concepts and learning objectives) expected of an advanced practice rheumatology health professional. A curriculum map is a schematic that details the specific topics, concepts and learning outcomes. The items on this map will then be compared with currently available ACR/ARHP educational assets (e.g., ARC, FRC, eBytes). The goal of this process is to identify gaps in content and develop a plan for creating new educational content to address these gaps. Once complete, a curriculum map can be used to illustrate a sequential order, detailing how information might best be learned. And when combined with test-enhanced learning, can be used to guide learners in planning their own online learning experience.
