The focus is on chronic illness in the final book of the Pharmacotherapy Self-Assessment Program, sixth edition (PSAP-VI). Chronic Illnesses provides evidence-based information on rheumatologic illnesses, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, the aging eye, and palliative care.

The first module centers on the complications of diabetes, with comprehensive chapters on nephropathy, neuropathy, and pediatric diabetes (including the new epidemic of type 2 diabetes in adolescents). The second module has updates on the management of rheumatologic disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the latest information on polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis. Contents of the third module will interest clinicians who treat middle-aged and older adults: metabolic syndrome, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and end-of-life pharmacotherapy.

Each PSAP chapter has an extensive annotated bibliography that identifies key research articles, clinical practice guidelines, texts, and Web sites relevant to today’s practicing clinical pharmacist. The Chronic Illnesses book is designed to assist pharmacists who want to:

• Design, implement, monitor, and modify a pharmacotherapeutic plan for a patient with polymyalgia rheumatica or giant cell arteritis.
• Evaluate the newest treatment options for the patient with rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on biologic response modifiers.
• Assess the patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and justify the use of cyclophosphamide, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate mofetil, prasterone, and rituximab.
• Distinguish among the forms of diabetes mellitus in children, design a regimen appropriate for a child or adolescent with diabetes, and develop a patient education strategy for children and their caregivers to optimize glycemic control.
• Assess the patient with diabetic nephropathy and apply recommendations from treatment guidelines.Develop an evidence-based plan for effective management of painful diabetic neuropathy.
• Evaluate a patient for metabolic syndrome and design an appropriate plan for risk factor management.
• Design a screening plan for age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma and recommend therapeutic interventions.
• For frail elderly patients in the palliative care setting, use an evidence-based approach to justify the use of previously inappropriate medications and the discontinuation of previously appropriate medications.

The release date for Chronic Illnesses is July 15 and this book is the final offering in the 11-book PSAP-VI series. Self-assessment questions offer a total of 18.0 continuing pharmacy education hours for those who successfully complete all three modules. All PSAP books are available in both print and online formats. The sixth edition of PSAP features several improvements over previous editions, including all-online testing; shorter, more concise chapters; and explained answers in printable PDF format.

Other books in the PSAP-VI series include Cardiology; Nephrology; Neurology and Psychiatry; Science and Practice of Pharmacotherapy; Infectious Diseases; Pulmonary and Critical Care; Women’s Health and Men’s Health; Health Promotion and Maintenance; Gastroenterology and Nutrition; and Oncology.

PSAP offers the most up-to-date and comprehensive information available on recent drug therapy advances. Each book will expand your knowledge in the therapeutic area covered. PSAP is priced as detailed (shipping and handling charges will apply):

For specific information on the release dates, continuing education credits, and Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) program numbers for each book, visit www.accp.com/bookstore/p6_se.aspx, where you can place your order through the online bookstore. Please use code BR0707 when ordering PSAP-VI.

PSAP-VI has been approved by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) for use in board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS) recertification. ACCP is accredited by ACPE as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.