This 15 minute workshop will be held in conjunction with the Best Practices in Primary Care program. The workshops will be available during the breaks in between sessions of the program.
All primary care clinicians (physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners) who are active in patient care.
Chronic constipation is a multisymptom gastrointestinal motility disorder that negatively impacts the lives of those affected. This condition is a problem for approximately 33 million Americans and spans all age groups, but tends to have a higher prevalence in women and the elderly. According to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the digital rectal examination (DRE) is a key diagnostic tool for chronic constipation. DRE procedures can aid clinicians in determining appropriate diagnoses and treatments for certain anomalies, including chronic constipation.
Often included as part of the physical examination, a DRE can reveal the actual cause of constipation, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or anorectal anomalies. It is also an important screening tool for rectal and prostate cancers. An accurate initial diagnosis is important to provide symptomatic patients with quicker control or to eliminate their symptoms.
The goal of this hands-on workshop is to increase practical knowledge and improve techniques of a DRE and to encourage the regular use of DREs as a diagnostic tool.
1. Increase clinician understanding of when to perform a digital rectal exam and the proper techniques and methods to employ when performing a digital rectal exam to assist in forming an accurate diagnosis on a patient
2. Identify signs and symptoms from the DRE that would necessitate a referral to a specialist
Primary Care Network, Inc. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Primary Care Network designates this educational activity for a maximum of .25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
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