title: Comparison of two standard-setting methods for advanced cardiac life support training.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study used the Angoff and Hofstee standard-setting methods to derive minimum passing scores for six advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) procedures.
  
  
  METHODS
  An expert panel provided item-based (Angoff) and group-based (Hofstee) judgments about six ACLS performance checklists on two occasions separated by ten weeks. Interrater reliabilities and test-retest reliability (stability) of the judgments were calculated. Derived ACLS passing standards are compared to historical ACLS performance data from two groups of ACLS-trained internal medicine residents.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both the Angoff and Hofstee standard-setting methods produced reliable and stable data. Hofstee minimum passing scores (MPSs) were uniformly more stringent than Angoff MPSs. Interpretation of historical ACLS performance data from medical residents shows the MPSs derived in this study would yield higher-than-expected failure rates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Systematic standard setting for ACLS procedures is a necessary step toward the creation of mastery learning educational programs.
authors.affiliation: MD, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Galter 3-150, 251 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. dwayne@northwestern.edu
authors.forename: Diane B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Wayne
authors.forename: Monica J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Fudala
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Butter
authors.forename: Viva J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Siddall
authors.forename: Joe
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Feinglass
authors.forename: Leonard D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Wade
authors.forename: William C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: McGaghie
mesh_terms: D022561:Advanced Cardiac Life Support / Q000193:education*; D002641:Chicago; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000193:education; D007396:Internship and Residency