Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease, is a type of inflammatory arthritis that results in a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder of the (synovial) joints. RA usually begins slowly, starting in a few joints, and then spreading to other joints over the course of time, often in a "symmetrical" pattern. The symptoms of RA vary from person to person and range from a few joints involved or mild inflammation to many joints involved and severe inflammation. There is no cure for RA; however, early diagnosis and appropriate management strategies can improve symptoms.

This continuing professional development (CPD) program will help you recognize RA, apply current clinical practice guidelines, and support the development of strategies to improve communications/referral health care providers and community resources. This module employs a case-based approach to learning wherein you will be presented with 3 "virtual patient" cases designed to simulate common clinical presentations of RA. Each case utilizes several interactive elements that encourage you to take clinical actions and receive immediate feedback from the virtual patient.

Initial funding for the development and evaluation of this program was provided by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Knowledge to Action Grant. Subsequent funding for ongoing updates and accreditation of the program was provided by The Arthritis Society of Canada.