CMSC ACTRIMS Cooperative Annual Meeting
The 2014 Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and the Sixth Cooperative Meeting with Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) will be held on May 28 - 31 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Our meeting is unique in bringing together all groups committed to improving the lives of people with MS: neurologists, radiologists, physiatrists, other medical specialists, clinical researchers, basic scientists, nursing professionals, rehabilitation specialists, counselors, members of the non-profit community and the corporate supporters whose driven many pharmaceutical and technological advances during the past two decades. The content of the meeting includes state-of-the-art information on the latest treatments, research, models of care, epidemiology, genetics, and much more. The CMSC is proud to partner with thousands of MS professionals who work in healthcare, community service, the pharmaceutical industry and education. GOALS The goal of the Annual Meeting of the CMSC is to provide MS healthcare professionals with the most up-to-date information impacting patient care in the areas of: -Basic and clinical research -Disease modifying treatments and new and emerging therapies -Epidemiology, genetics, and epigenetics -Symptomatic care -Immunology and pathophysiology of MS -Neuroimaging and biomarkers -Rehabilitation -Psychosocial issues -MS collaborative care -Gender specific concerns -Advocacy issues -Quality of life strategies HIGHLIGHTS -Networking opportunities -Research updates -Team Building -Committee meetings -Multi-disciplinary collaboration -Exhibits wiht the latest in products and services -Technological Advances -Roundtables -Social events -Awards and prizes -Workforce of the Future TARGET AUDIENCE Healthcare professionals and researchers involved in MS clinical care or research. TRACK OBJECTIVES (LEARNING OBJECTIVES) Basic Science/Environmental Factors -Identify key concepts of the immunologic and neuropathologic disease processes associated with multiple sclerosis. -Recognize that the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis is affected by gender, ethnocultural origin, and environmental factors and tailor diagnosis and management appropriately. Cognition, Depression, Psychosocial -Appropriately utilize tools and strategies that facilitate patient assessment in order to differentiate between cognitive problems, depression, and related psychosocial issues. -Incorporate information obtained through appropriate assessments into therapeutic plans of care for each area of concern. Comprehensive Care -Examine the various models of care in multiple sclerosis along with the roles and responsibilities of the team members in order to adapt the most appropriate model for a given practice setting. -Integrate the complex structures that support the provision of comprehensive care in MS (i.e. transmural, principal care, rehabilitative care, etc.) into effective centers providing evidence-based care. Disease Management -Analyze the complex mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis in order to more appropriately initiate and sustain evidence-based therapeutic interventions. -Critically evaluate disease monitoring measures in order to facilitate effective therapeutic decision-making and outcome assessment. Nursing -Analyze and integrate the conceptual framework under which MS nurses construct individualized interventions and monitor outcomes in multiple sclerosis. -Examine specific nursing skills and incorporate them into individualized care of patients and families affected by multiple sclerosis. Rehabilitation -Differentiate the roles and responsibilities of each member of the rehabilitation team and describe the interplay between each professional service. -Identify MS-specific screening techniques that facilitate individualized and targeted rehabilitation services. Symptomatic Management -Analyze common symptoms of multiple sclerosis and their appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions in order to develop strategies designed to produce disease control and maximal function. -Identify assessment techniques that differentiate between acute and chronic MS symptoms along with appropriate techniques to identify those factors that affect the manifestation of the complex symptomatology of MS. Skills Development -Incorporate acquired information into professional practice skills that enhance comprehensive MS care and better serve patients, families, and colleagues.