Assessment

Multiple formative and summative assessment methods will be adopted to test both the cognitive and psychomotor domains which include:

• Context-dependent Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) with specific pass grades (80%). This test will be conducted online at the END of the course.
• Performance assessment by direct observation using rating forms and checklists

If participants fail to achieve a passing grade, they may be remediated at the end of the course or will be requested to re-sit the tests again.

To pass the ACLS course, you will be required to successfully manage a mega- code.

A mega-code is hands-on, dynamic, in real-time practice of treating a life-threatening cardiac emergency. The cardiac emergency will include ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia with or without pulses, asystole, pulseless electrical activity, bradycardia, and more. In addition, you're required to pass a written exam with a score of ≥ 80%.

In managing a code or cardiac arrest, you will be required to recognize and correctly identify basic life-threatening rhythms or arrhythmias. You'll be required to assess the patient's general condition and effectively treat the patient according to the algorithms and recommendations using the defibrillator and basic cardiac drugs.

During this course, you will have to perform roles that may be outside your standard scope of practice during the mega-code practice and testing portion of the class. You'll be required to be a "team leader" in managing the code, requesting defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, CPR, and the correct cardiac drugs and dosages when indicated according to ACLS guidelines. In managing the mega-code, the team leader will assign his/her team members to specific roles and responsibilities including:

• Compressions,
• Respiratory management,
• Use of the defibrillator/monitor,
• Selecting drugs out of the code cart,
• Recording, etc. 

Though you'll have sufficient time to practice running mega-codes and you'll watch audio-visual programs, course preparation is mandatory to make your experience valuable toward your education and your successful completion of the class. You're encouraged to purchase or borrow the recommended ACLS Provider Manuals or learn from this online course which is a great resource in preparation for your course and the written exam. The online pre-course assessment has shown to be of high value by those who have attended our classes.

Dr. Magdi Moharib