Description
This webinar will provide learners with an adverse drug reaction-based framework for understanding the side effects of QT prolongation, and risk of Torsade de Pointes. Use of this framework will be demonstrated using the real-world historical example of the medication terfenadine. Additionally, clinical implementation of this framework to assess and mitigate risk of QT prolongation will be presented. Practical issues related to measuring QTc including use of different correction formulas, and special cases where additional corrections are needed will be presented. Finally, modern psychotropic medications that are common sources of perplexity regarding QT prolongation will be reviewed.
Format
Recorded webinar, non-interactive, self-paced distance learning activity with post-test.
This presentation was recorded on March 17, 2026.
Learning Objectives
Examine the characteristics of QT prolongation as an ADR, using a real-world example.
Cite the clinical approach to assessing and mitigating risk of QT prolongation associated adverse effects.
Identify caveats related to measuring QTc including special cases where alternative measures need to be utilized.
Describe the risk profile of common psychotropic medication, and understand special cases of citalopram, haloperidol, and hydroxyzine.
Outline
- Introduction & Learning Objectives
- Historical Case Study: Terfenadine (Seldane)
- QT Prolongation as a Type C Adverse Drug Reaction
- Risk Factors for Torsade de Pointes
- Clinical Application: QTc as a Proxy Measure
Target Audience
Psychiatrist, Physician (Non-Psychiatric), Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacist
Instruction Level
Intermediate
Estimated Time to Complete
Estimated Duration: 45 minutes
Program Start Date: June 25, 2026
Program End Date: June 25, 2029
Ongoing Interdisciplinary Discussion Board
After completing the course, engage with colleagues in the mental health field through the Webinar Roundtable Topics discussion board. This is an easy way to network and share ideas with other clinicians who participate in this webinar. Access through the discussion tab.
How to Earn Credit
After completing the evaluation, participants will have the opportunity to claim their hours of participation and download the appropriate certificate. Physicians may obtain an official CME certificate, other healthcare professionals may receive a CE certificate (as applicable), and all other attendees may generate a certificate of participation. Each certificate will reflect the event date and total hours earned.
Continuing Education Credit
In support of improving patient care, American Psychiatric Association (APA) 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.
Physicians
The APA designates this live event for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nurses/Nurse Practitioners
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) designates this activity for 0.75 Nursing contact hours. Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Pharmacists
This curriculum has been approved for 0.75 contact hours by the American Psychiatric Association. The American Psychiatric Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. The Universal Activity Number for this program is JA0000145-0000-26-062-H04-P. This learning activity is knowledge-based. Your CE credits will be electronically submitted to NABP upon successful completion of the activity. Pharmacists with questions can contact NABP customer service (custserv@nabp.net).
Faculty and Planner Disclosures
The American Psychiatric Association adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity - including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others - are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.
Faculty
- Nicholas Nguyen, MD, Consultant - Psychopharmacology Resource Network (PRN), California Department of State Hospitals-Patton. Dr. Nguyen has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Program Planners
- John Torous, MD, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Torous has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
- Megan Ehret, PharmD, BCPP, University of Maryland, Baltimore. Dr. Ehret has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
- Kathryn B. Hanley, LPA, RN, PMHNP-BC, Austin State Hospital. Ms. Hanley has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities
The American Psychiatric Association is committed to ensuring accessibility of its website to people with disabilities. If you have trouble accessing any of APA’s online resources, please contact us at 202-559-3900 for assistance.
Technical Requirements
This internet-based CME activity is best experienced using any of the following:
The latest and 2nd latest public versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari
Internet Explorer 11+
This Web site requires that JavaScript and session cookies be enabled. Certain activities may require additional software to view multimedia, presentation, or printable versions of the content. These activities will be marked as such and will provide links to the required software. That software may be: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Windows Media Player.
Optimal System Configuration:
Browser: Google Chrome (latest and 2nd latest version), Safari (latest and 2nd latest version), Internet Explorer 11.0+, Firefox (latest and 2nd latest version), or Microsoft Edge (latest and 2nd latest version)
Operating System: Windows versions 8.1+, Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) +, Android (latest and 2nd latest version), or iOS/iPad OS (latest and 2nd latest version)
Internet Connection: 1 Mbps or higher
Minimum Requirements:
Windows PC: Windows 8.1 or higher; 1 GB (for 32-bit)/2 GB (for 64-bit) or higher RAM; Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content
Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher with latest updates installed; Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor; 512 MB or higher RAM; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content
For assistance: Contact educme@psych.org for questions about this activity |
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