FERNE On-Line CME Program

Optimizing the ED Management of
Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients

Frequently Asked Questions on CME Program Participation:

1. What is the program background?
   ICH is a devastating disease in which EM physicians play a central role in the management and outcome of these stroke patients. It is incumbent on the emergency physician to quickly stabilize these patients, diagnose their condition, and decide on urgent treatment strategies that will optimize the chances for a good outcome. This symposium is designed to make it possible for the emergency physician to have the knowledge and skills necessary to consistently make this happen for ED ICH patients.
   


2. What are the learning objectives?
   Upon completion of this program, the participant should be able to:
   
   • Review the current concepts related to the pathophysiology and presentation of patients who require ED treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage.
   
   • Discuss ways in which the diagnosis and treatment of ED ICH patients can be optimized based on available options and published clinical guidelines and current publications
   
   • Describe the optimal CT diagnosis and ED treatment of patients who present with stroke symptoms consistent with a possible intracerebral hemorrhage.
   
   • Determine the specific operative and non-operative management strategies in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.
   
   • Understand MRI/MRA indications in the diagnosis of hemorrhagic stroke, SAH, and ICH patients.
   
   • Establish optimal ways to treat ED ICH patients who present with an elevated INR as a result of Coumadin use.



3. How long is the program?
   The content you are about to review was presented as an official satellite symposium at 2005 ACEP SA. This program consists of 6 topics given by 5 different speakers and is approximately 3 hours long. Additionally, you will need to read a short synopsis – 2007 Update: ICH Patient ED Management.



4. What type and how much CME is available?
   The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)TM . Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity



5. Who is providing the CME?
   This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and FERNE. The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing education for physicians.



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 Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals.



7. What is the process I need to complete to obtain CME?
   First, you need to review the content from all 6 topics.
   
   Then you need to read the 2007 Update: ICH Patient ED Management.
   
   Next, you need to download and print 2 forms that you will need to complete and return FAX to the FERNE office (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 MS Producer video lecture as given: the archived lecture is included along with the speaker’s PowerPoint slide set, video, and audio. You may listen and view the lecture and slides. This synchronistic program is produced in Microsoft Producer which is a free, downloadable Windows program.
   
   View the PowerPoint slide set with Annotations: the speaker’s PowerPoint slide set, which include the transcribed comments from the lecture, are available for online viewing or may be downloaded and printed for remote reading.
   
   Listen to the lectures in MP3 format: the live lecture recording is available for listening in MP3 format. The MP3 files may also be played while viewing the PPT files independent of MS Producer video lecture. Available for online listening or may be downloaded.



9. What is the 2007 Update?
   This is a literature survey of new and relevant data, management practices, and treatment options that have been published since the program was presented in 2005.
   


10. How can I Preview the CME Questions?
    There is a CME Question Form which is a multiple choice form for you to view the test questions. You will need to refer to these questions when you complete your Test Answer Sheet so that you can be scored for competency.
    


11. What are the CME documents?
    A) There is a Test Answer Sheet Form which is a multiple choice answer sheet form for you to choose and document your answer choices for the CME Questions. This is required so that you can be scored for competency.
    
    (Test Answer Sheet & CME Request Form is a combined, single sheet form)
    
    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.
    
    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.



12. 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.



13. How long will CME for this program be available?
    This program and CME will be available for one year from February 2007 to February 2008.



14. 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.



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



16. Who should I contact if I have questions or problems?
    You may contact the FERNE staff at the general office telephone number 312-355-1651. You can also send an email to ferne@ ferne.org