September 14, 2007 - For many years, American Heart Association research has supported education and training programs for Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) that save thousands of lives each year, and now healthcare providers have easier access to these programs using the eLearning program.
The expansion of the ECC Web-based eLearning offerings takes advantage of advances in technology and instructional design to deliver certain courses in a format that maximizes flexibility and consistency, while also saving participants time and money. The new eLearning offerings include a mix of online-only and blended courses, which include basic online instruction with required hands-on training and assessment. Courses involving strictly cognitive learning can be completed as eLearning modules online. Programs that rely heavily on effective CPR require skills practice and testing, and will need to be scheduled with an authorized American Heart Association Training Center.
Prior to this expansion, the American Heart Association’s ECC program provided training through traditional instructor-led classroom courses, "micro-simulation" instruction using computerized manikins, and a limited mix of stand-alone online modules and blended courses. The new eLearning courses add to these offerings and help further the American Heart Association's commitment to develop learning programs that cover the entire educational spectrum through the most effective, research-based teaching methodologies available, no matter the delivery format.
“Changes in technology and a greater general acceptance of eLearning have made this the right time for the American Heart Association to enhance its eLearning programs for emergency cardiovascular care training,” said William W. Hammill, M.D., director of cardiopulmonary and vascular services for Martha Jefferson Hospital, and chair, American Heart Association ECC First Aid Task Force. “Now, healthcare providers will not only have access to traditional instructor-led classroom courses to complete their training requirements, but they will also have a greater array of options to complete certain courses when their schedules allow, without being tied to a specific classroom at a specific time. The convenience and cost savings associated with eLearning programs will make them an invaluable component of a full spectrum of educational and training options.”
The eLearning course lineup includes the following options such as stand-alone courses on basic ECG rhythm recognition, basic life support certification, and stroke pre-hospital care, which will cover risk factors, diagnosis, assessment and management of potential strokes.
Blended courses include the AHA Healthcare Provider Course, BLS Healthcare Provider Online Renewal, Heartsaver First Aid Online, Heartsaver First Aid Online With CPR, and AED Renewal.
For more information: www.onlineaha.org