Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Adults
Course Overview
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is recognized as a complex clinical entity, primarily a motility disorder with impaired lower esophageal sphincter structure and function playing a central role. However, GERD is widely seen as a simple disorder of acid over-secretion resolved by proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication. While PPIs are the backbone of clinical management for patients with suspected GERD, many patients remain symptomatic even after initiating treatment. This reflects the diverse underlying pathology of GERD symptom presentation that requires proper diagnosis to effectively target with therapy. There is an increase in publications associating long-term PPI therapy with concerning adverse effects. This course will disentangle the conflicting and sometimes confusing clinical guidance and evidence that characterizes the large volume of publications on GERD, empowering primary care clinicians with the clarity and direction to improve the clinical care of these patients.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Outline the incidence and prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Describe the patient, social, and economic impact of GERD.
- Identify risk factors for GERD.
- Review the natural history and pathophysiology of GERD.
- Appropriately categorize GERD according to underlying pathology.
- Identify signs and symptoms of GERD.
- Select appropriate diagnostic tests for patients with suspected GERD.
- Analyze the pharmacologic treatment of GERD.
- Outline the treatment options for refractory GERD.
- Describe surgical options for GERD treatment.
About the Author/Presenter
Mark Rose, BS, MA, LP, is a licensed psychologist in the State of Minnesota with a private consulting practice and a medical research analyst with a biomedical communications firm. Earlier healthcare technology assessment work led to medical device and pharmaceutical sector experience in new product development involving cancer ablative devices and pain therapeutics. Along with substantial experience in addiction research, Mr. Rose has contributed to the authorship of numerous papers on CNS, oncology, and other medical disorders. He is the lead author of papers published in peer-reviewed addiction, psychiatry, and pain medicine journals and has written books on prescription opioids and alcoholism published by the Hazelden Foundation. He also serves as an Expert Advisor and Expert Witness to law firms that represent disability claimants or criminal defendants on cases related to chronic pain, psychiatric/substance use disorders, and acute pharmacologic/toxicologic effects. Mr. Rose is on the Board of Directors of the Minneapolis-based International Institute of Anti-Aging Medicine and is a member of several professional organizations.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Nursing, Physician
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