title: Impact of High-Fidelity Simulation and Pharmacist-Specific Didactic Lectures in Addition to ACLS Provider Certification on Pharmacy Resident ACLS Performance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This pilot study explored the use of multidisciplinary high-fidelity simulation and additional pharmacist-focused training methods in training postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residents to provide Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) care. Pharmacy resident confidence and comfort level were assessed after completing these training requirements.
  
  
  METHODS
  The ACLS training requirements for pharmacy residents were revised to include didactic instruction on ACLS pharmacology and rhythm recognition and participation in multidisciplinary high-fidelity simulation ACLS experiences in addition to ACLS provider certification. Surveys were administered to participating residents to assess the impact of this additional education on resident confidence and comfort level in cardiopulmonary arrest situations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The new ACLS didactic and simulation training requirements resulted in increased resident confidence and comfort level in all assessed functions. Residents felt more confident in all areas except providing recommendations for dosing and administration of medications and rhythm recognition after completing the simulation scenarios than with ACLS certification training and the didactic components alone. All residents felt the addition of lectures and simulation experiences better prepared them to function as a pharmacist in the ACLS team.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Additional ACLS training requirements for pharmacy residents increased overall awareness of pharmacist roles and responsibilities and greatly improved resident confidence and comfort level in performing most essential pharmacist functions during ACLS situations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center, Sioux Falls, SD, USA billie.bartel@avera.org.
authors.forename: Billie J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Bartel
mesh_terms: D022561:Advanced Cardiac Life Support / Q000193:education*; D002568:Certification; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004514:Education, Pharmacy, Graduate / Q000379:methods; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration*; D064172:Pharmacy Residencies; D010865:Pilot Projects; D024382:Professional Role; D000066908:Simulation Training / Q000379:methods*
keywords: critical care; emergency medicine