MedEdPORTAL (Dec 2011)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support: A Review Before Residency
Abstract
Abstract This revised resource reviews the 2010 American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) guidelines and is to be used for a faculty-led, 2-hour, case-based interactive discussion aimed at graduating fourth-year medical students. This resource was created to fill a specific curricular need: a brief yet comprehensive and priority-based review of advanced cardiac life support principles which can be accomplished with minimal equipment and set-up. The module consists of four documents; the cases, rhythm strips, an instructor guide, and a structured outline for faculty. Faculty facilitators use eight structured cases which simulate realistic situations a first-year resident in various specialties is likely to encounter. Facilitators are given a detailed outline with suggestions on how to lead each of the cases. The resource can be used for small-group sessions or in a larger group guided discussion format. It is part of a fourth-year medical student clinical-review elective that has been taught for over 10 years. Student participants have consistently rated the ACLS section of that course, built upon this resource, as one of the top 3 of 20 or more sections in usefulness and applicability. Use of the resource will not lead to AHA ACLS provider certification however.
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