New Accredited Obesity Education Module for Doctors

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, U.K. - Oct. 14, 2014 - PRLog -- Almost 3 million deaths a year are attributed to obesity, making it the fifth highest risk factor for death globally. In addition, obesity increases the risk of complications from other co-morbidities such as diabetes (44%), ischaemic heart disease (23%) and many cancers (7-41%).¹ As obesity rates continue to hit the headlines, there is growing pressure on healthcare professionals (HCPs) to stay current on best practice management approaches for their patients.

Tackling the issue of obesity is a key concern for doctors the world over and, with an ever-increasing prevalence, especially in lower-middle-income countries, today’s launch of a free, ‘Understanding Obesity’, Continuing Medical Education (CME) module could not have come at a better time.

Hosted on the disease and medicines knowledge base www.epgonline.org, the interactive Understanding Obesity CME module provides HCPs (including endocrinologists, obesity specialists, primary care physicians and specialist nurses) with three chapters covering different aspects of obesity education in clinical disease management. HCPs are invited to access the CME for free at http://www.epgonline.org/obesity-cme/.

EACCME accredited – there are 2 European CME Credits (EMECs) for successful completion of the module.

Developed by a panel of leading European obesity experts, with support from medical communications agency Apothecom, the online module provides information on comorbidities and complications, as well as the complex factors that influence obesity development. Upon completion, participants will have a greater understanding of obesity and the cornerstones of an effective weight management strategy. The module was funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Novo Nordisk.

“Thanks to our partners in healthcare (NovoNordisk and Apothecom), users of epgonline.org can now enjoy access to a truly user-centred CME experience, with the ability to explore the obesity module in any order, at their own pace, while they improve and test their comprehension of key concepts.” said Chris Cooper, Managing Director of EPG Health Media. “Upon successful completion of the module and assessments, participants will receive two European CME credits (ECMECs) and be even better equipped to make a difference to the millions of patients struggling to manage their weight.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Published by EPG Health Media (Europe), epgonline.org is an independent website dedicated to providing healthcare professionals with free access to the most recent, best practice diagnosis and patient management guidance. In addition to the library of disease Knowledge Centres, the website includes a database of prescription drugs in 9 European languages, clinical trial reports, treatment guidelines, medical news, journal abstracts, multimedia, and apps; all arranged around 50 disease topic areas.

Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within haemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement

therapy. Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 38,000 employees in 75 countries, and markets its products in more than 180 countries.

References:

1. European Obesity Initiative. Understanding Obesity. 2014. Available: www.epgonline.org/obesitycme. Last accessed 10th April 2014.

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