Advanced cardiac life support education: a self-directed, scenario-based approach

The American Heart Association adopted new curriculum guidelines for Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) education. Requirements include the incorporation of case-based learning strategies in the course format.

A self-directed, scenario-based course format was developed to incorporate principles of adult learning and to meet the newest curriculum guidelines of the American Heart Association. A post-course survey was used to evaluate the participants' perceptions of the course format and its effects on their learning.

Twenty-seven participants completed the course. Analysis of the post-course survey responses indicated participants favored the self-directed, scenario-based design and felt the format contributed to their learning. Additionally, this format was more cost-effective than the traditional 2-day course design.

The use of a self-directed, scenario-based format creates an optimal environment that fosters the complex cognitive and psychomotor skills learning required to perform ACLS. This format meets the expectations of the American Heart Association curriculum guidelines and should be considered a viable and valuable option for providing ACLS education.