Annual Practice Review
As part of the yearly maintenance of certification, each Paramedic must successfully complete an Annual Practice Review at the level for which s/he is certified. The APR day consists of an 8 hour day with the following components:
- A didactic presentation
The skill stations are largely peer review format, with focus on skill completion, recollection and application of CPER Medical Directives and related pathophysiology. The peer review skill station format will encourage both active and passive learning as both a participant and evaluator. Aspects of skill demonstration, Medical Directive association and a review of pathological processes allow the learner to examine a particular condition or skill from a variety of angles.
The scenario component will focus on critical thinking and decision making. Scenarios are designed such that the focus will be on thorough assessment and critical thinking prior to any initiation of treatment.
The format for the APRs are authorized by Medical Council and addresses problem based learning strategies while minimizing negative external motivation thus allowing a real time remediation of any potential patient management concerns.
The Annual Practice Review is based on three broad principles:
- Emphasis on early stages of scenario and patient assessment
- Include real time feedback if treatment algorithm in incorrect
- Emphasize and educate why and how prehospital treatment affects patient outcome
- Shift focus from evaluation and performance pressure to decision and procedure choices.
- The written exams that are part of the maintenance of certification are completed as a separate event from the annual practice review through a Learning Management System: eMedic which provides immediate feedback for incorrect responses (consistency) and eliminating test day anxiety.
- Offering a variety of skills concurrently
- Addressing survey responses and requests for CME topics
- Encouraging participation to promote professionalism and improving skills