Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

ACLS Interactive!

2004; Elsevier BV; Volume: 44; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.annemergmed.2004.01.036

1097-6760

Michael A. Bohrn,

ACLS Interactive! is a CD-ROM, case-based review of the advanced cardiac life support guidelines. The CD-ROM consists of 20 animated advanced cardiac life support cases identified with presenting symptoms (eg, unresponsive male, sudden collapse, chest pain). Cases may also be chosen on the basis of the location of the patient (eg, scene, emergency department, cardiac care unit). The user then listens to the patient presentation, evaluates the patient, and receives feedback after the case. Three levels of difficulty are available, and each participant receives a score based on their performance during a case. The CD-ROM also includes a handy quiz feature.On starting the CD-ROM, a variety of cases and levels of difficulty are available by means of a series of menus. It is fairly easy to complete the initial setup and to begin the cases. The animated sequences require a computer with a sound card and a 16-bit capable 8-MB video card. The user then chooses one of the 20 cases or the location of the case, and the case scenario begins.Each case starts with either a paramedic or physician's assistant obtaining the patient's history. The user then proceeds to the main screen for the rest of the case. This screen contains areas such as “Airway/Breathing,” “ECG/Defibrillation,” “IV Medications,” and “Assessment/Monitoring.” Each area contains multiple interventions (endotracheal intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intravenous fluids, intravenous medications, checking the blood pressure). When applying cardiac monitoring leads to a patient, the user is quizzed on what rhythm is present. When ordering medications, the user is quizzed on what medication is indicated in the current situation. Available interventions are limited by the situation (eg, chest radiograph is not available at the “scene”). A list of questions and answers can be used to gain information regarding the patient's past medical history, medications, allergies, and current symptoms. A personal digital assistant (PDA) is present on the side of the screen and allows the user to review patient data and previously performed actions, and also to access hints when using the lower levels of difficulty. At the end of each case, the animated attending physician reviews the case and provides either praise or admonishment on the basis of the user's performance.I found the setup and use of this product to be very straightforward. The animated sequences are quite well done and add a sense of realism to the cases. Although it is fairly easy to maneuver among the menu of actions for the cases, there are some quirks. In some cases, you will lose points for failing to ask certain questions of the patient (eg, “Do you know what day it is?”—to a patient who is awake and alert). You also lose points for asking questions that are not thought to be relevant to the case by the authors. Some of the actions seem redundant (eg, click and drag the bag-valve-mask device over and click on the label marked “mouth”), and clicking directly over the appropriate label is sometimes more difficult than it should be. As in any product derived directly from guidelines, the specific “next step” is sometimes difficult to ascertain. Aside from these quirks, the overall progression through the cases is fairly smooth and the CD-ROM provides a fast-paced, comprehensive review of key points from the advanced cardiac life support guidelines. The quiz feature is quite useful as well.Overall, ACLS Interactive! is a useful tool for review and study of the advanced cardiac life support guidelines in a simulated case format. It will be most beneficial for students, residents early in their training, and other health care personnel. ACLS Interactive! is a CD-ROM, case-based review of the advanced cardiac life support guidelines. The CD-ROM consists of 20 animated advanced cardiac life support cases identified with presenting symptoms (eg, unresponsive male, sudden collapse, chest pain). Cases may also be chosen on the basis of the location of the patient (eg, scene, emergency department, cardiac care unit). The user then listens to the patient presentation, evaluates the patient, and receives feedback after the case. Three levels of difficulty are available, and each participant receives a score based on their performance during a case. The CD-ROM also includes a handy quiz feature. On starting the CD-ROM, a variety of cases and levels of difficulty are available by means of a series of menus. It is fairly easy to complete the initial setup and to begin the cases. The animated sequences require a computer with a sound card and a 16-bit capable 8-MB video card. The user then chooses one of the 20 cases or the location of the case, and the case scenario begins. Each case starts with either a paramedic or physician's assistant obtaining the patient's history. The user then proceeds to the main screen for the rest of the case. This screen contains areas such as “Airway/Breathing,” “ECG/Defibrillation,” “IV Medications,” and “Assessment/Monitoring.” Each area contains multiple interventions (endotracheal intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intravenous fluids, intravenous medications, checking the blood pressure). When applying cardiac monitoring leads to a patient, the user is quizzed on what rhythm is present. When ordering medications, the user is quizzed on what medication is indicated in the current situation. Available interventions are limited by the situation (eg, chest radiograph is not available at the “scene”). A list of questions and answers can be used to gain information regarding the patient's past medical history, medications, allergies, and current symptoms. A personal digital assistant (PDA) is present on the side of the screen and allows the user to review patient data and previously performed actions, and also to access hints when using the lower levels of difficulty. At the end of each case, the animated attending physician reviews the case and provides either praise or admonishment on the basis of the user's performance. I found the setup and use of this product to be very straightforward. The animated sequences are quite well done and add a sense of realism to the cases. Although it is fairly easy to maneuver among the menu of actions for the cases, there are some quirks. In some cases, you will lose points for failing to ask certain questions of the patient (eg, “Do you know what day it is?”—to a patient who is awake and alert). You also lose points for asking questions that are not thought to be relevant to the case by the authors. Some of the actions seem redundant (eg, click and drag the bag-valve-mask device over and click on the label marked “mouth”), and clicking directly over the appropriate label is sometimes more difficult than it should be. As in any product derived directly from guidelines, the specific “next step” is sometimes difficult to ascertain. Aside from these quirks, the overall progression through the cases is fairly smooth and the CD-ROM provides a fast-paced, comprehensive review of key points from the advanced cardiac life support guidelines. The quiz feature is quite useful as well. Overall, ACLS Interactive! is a useful tool for review and study of the advanced cardiac life support guidelines in a simulated case format. It will be most beneficial for students, residents early in their training, and other health care personnel.