FERNE On-Line CME Program

Emergency Department Ischemic Stroke Patient Care:
Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics

Frequently Asked Questions on CME Program Participation:

1. What is the program about?
   The optimal diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke patients in the pre-hospital setting and in the ED requires an understanding of systems for stroke care, the way in which stroke severity can be best defined and communicated, when advanced diagnostic tests such as CTA, MRA and perfusion studies are indicated, how therapies such as IV and IA tPA thrombolysis and mechanical clot removal can be optimally utilized, and when triage and transfer to specialized stroke centers should rationally occur.
   
   This session will provide an overview to the emergency physician of the current systems for stroke care, the way in which stroke patients should be clinically evaluated, and what are optimal treatment options based on the latest research, published guidelines, and available diagnostic and treatment modalities.
   


2. What are the learning objectives?
   Upon completion of this program, the participant should be able to:
   
   • Establish the key concepts that guide the decision making in the diagnosis and treatment of acute ischemic stroke patients.
   
   • Evaluate stroke care systems, the role of tertiary and stroke centers, prehospital triage, and ED patient transfer in the management of acute ischemic stroke patients.
   
   • Consider how CT, CTA, MRI, MRA, and perfusion studies can be used by emergency physicians in order to optimize IV tPA use, IR referral, and ED transfer to stroke specialty centers.
   
   • Explore the role of interventional radiology diagnostic modalities, IA thrombolysis, and mechanical clot removal options in the treatment of ED acute ischemic stroke patients



3. How long is the program?
   This program consists of 5 topics given by 4 different speakers and is approximately 2 hours long.



4. What type and how much CME is available?
   The individual should apply only for the hours he/she found it necessary to complete the program. Up to 2 hours of CME Category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award has been awarded to this program.



5. Who is providing the CME?
   The CME is being issued by the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine.



6. What is the cost of the CME?
   There is no charge for the CME. Is it being provided free of charge as a result of an unrestricted educational grant from Concentric Medical.



7. What is the process I need to complete to obtain CME?
   First, you need to review the content from all 5 topics.
   
   Next you may either apply online electronically through the FERNE website (www.ferne.org) or you can download and print the CME Document which includes 2 forms that are to be completed and returned by FAX to the FERNE office at 312-355-1269.



8. How can I review the content for this program?
   There are three methods through which you can review the content for this cme program; following is a description of each method.
   
   View the video lecture: The archived lecture includes the speaker’s PowerPoint slide set, video, and audio. You may listen and view the lecture and / or slides.
   
   Listen to the Lectures in MP3 format: The lecture recording is available for listening in MP3 format. The MP3 files are available for online listening or may be downloaded for remote listening. The MP3 files may also be played while viewing the PPT files independent of the video stream.
   
   Print and Read the PowerPoint Slides, Key Clinical Concepts, and / or Overviews : The PowerPoint slide sets, Key Clinical Concepts, and Overviews are available for online viewing or may be downloaded and printed for remote reading.



9. What are the different forms?
   A) There is a CME Question Form which is the multiple choice form you will need to complete so that you can be scored for competency.
   
   B) There is a CME Request Form which is the mechanism whereby you provide the number of cme hours you are requesting for this specific program, as well as your contact information and mailing address so that the cme certificate can be sent to you appropriately.
   
   These two forms have been combined into one document – the Test Answer Sheet / CME Request Form.
   
   C) There is an Evaluation Form which provides feedback on the program content, the speakers, and the ability to meet defined learning objectives. It is required by the ACCME guidelines that there be a completed evaluation of a program for every cme certificate that is issued.



10. What is the established percentage required to pass the cme test?
    A 75% pass rate is required to receive the full CME for which the participant is applying.



11. How long will CME for this program be available?
    This program and CME will be available for six months from September 1 – March 1, 2008.



12. When will I receive my cme certificate?
    CME will be compiled and sent from the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine every three months. You will receive your certificate via United States Postal Service.
    
    Note: Legibility and accuracy of your mailing address on the CME Request Form is critical to ensure that you receive your document. If your address is incorrect or is rejected by the postal service, we do not attempt a second delivery.



13. What is the FERNE office FAX number?
    312 - 355 - 1269