Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a complex condition requiring comprehensive management that includes appropriate medication therapy and interdisciplinary care coordination. This activity will discuss kidney- and cardiovascular-protective interventions for CKD and examine the roles of risk stratification, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin creatinine ratio (uACR). In addition, considerations for the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors will be discussed, including heart failure status and adverse effects. Approaches to interdisciplinary care coordination for CKD that integrates nephrologists, primary care physicians, dietitians, and other health care professionals (HCPs) will be highlighted.

Clinical practice guidelines are used in health care as an educational tool to improve patient care as a potential solution to reduce inappropriate variations in care. Opioid prescribing guidelines provide clear and comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners. This activity will examine the scope, impact, key statistics and factors contributing to the opioid crisis and highlight the current recommended opioid prescribing guidelines, their challenges and the role of state prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP). Strategies to aid in implementing the opioid prescribing guidelines and to mitigate the opioid crisis will also be discussed.

People at risk of suicide are often seen in health care settings, and health care organizations have a unique opportunity to identify and facilitate suicide prevention. Although there are long-standing clinical best practices, gaps still exist. Suicide Risk Formulation (SRF) is a process by which a clinician forms a judgment about a patient’s foreseeable risk of suicidal behavior based on data collected from a Suicide Risk Assessment (SRA). Risk formulation may indicate that enhanced interventions and increased support may be needed. Treatment should focus on reducing the immediate suicide risk and exploring any underlying mental-health and/or substance-use disorder. This activity is designed to support health care professionals through risk-mitigation situations by providing an advanced continuing education opportunity to improve practice, skills and knowledge.

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in children and adolescents, and the primary care provider is often the first point of contact for children and adolescents with depression. This activity will highlight the side effects of medications and drug interactions in treating depression and will discuss screening options for suicidality and how to create a basic safety plan.