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FERNE On-Line CME Program

“Optimal Blood Pressure Management in Emergency Department Patients With

Hypertensive Emergencies and Stroke Syndromes”

Frequently Asked Questions on CME Program Participation

What is the program about?

Hypertensive emergency patients are commonly treated in the Emergency Department. This emergent situation is frequently manifested as a co-morbid disease in acute stroke, altered mental status, coma, and intracerebral hemorrhage. This program will investigate the rationale for blood pressure management and treatment options available for ED patients who present in a hypertensive emergency and related stroke syndromes.

Upon leaving this symposium, emergency practitioners should be able to better understand the epidemiology and pathophysiology of patients with hypertensive emergencies and stroke syndromes. Additionally, they should also know how to optimally manage the hypertensive emergencies and stroke syndromes based on the current guidelines that govern their use.

What are the learning objectives?

Upon completion of this program, the participant should be able to:

Determine the definition of hypertensive emergencies, and discuss their epidemiology and pathophysiology in ED patients with stroke syndromes.

Identify what therapies are available for the treatment of ED patients with hypertensive emergencies and stroke syndromes.

Discuss the clinically relevant endpoints for the evaluation and management of ED patients with hypertensive emergencies.

Understand what guidelines and recommendations assist emergency care providers in optimally treating ED patients with hypertensive emergencies and stroke syndromes.

How long is the program?

This program is approximately 2 hours long.

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.

Who is providing the CME?

The CME is being issued by the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine.

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.

What is the process I need to complete to obtain CME?

First, you need to review the content from all of the 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. It is preferred that the CME forms be completed electronically.

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 lectures: The archived lectures includes the speaker’s PowerPoint slide set, video, and audio. You may listen and view the lecture and simultaneously review the 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 simultaneously viewing the slides.

Print and Read the PowerPoint Slides, Overview, and Key Clinical Questions: The PowerPoint slide sets, Overview, and Key Clinical Questions are available for online viewing which may be downloaded and printed for remote reading.

What are the different forms?

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.

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.

There is also 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.

What is the established percentage required to pass the CME test?

A 70% pass rate is required to receive the full CME for which the participant is applying.

What if I don’t pass the CME test?

If you do not pass the test, you will be notified that you missed too many questions and that the test must be retaken prior to receiving the CME certificate.

How long will CME for this program be available?

This program and CME will be available for 12 months from November 1, 2007 thru October 31, 2008.

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. Please write legibly to assure delivery of the certificate.

What is the FERNE office FAX number?

312 - 355 - 1269

This educational symposia is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from The Medicines Company