UNDERSTANDING THE HEARTCODE ® PROGRAM
What is HeartCode?
For several decades the traditional mode of learning CPR has been through 100 % classroom training. Now, the AHA, in coordination with Laerdal and HealthStream, offers an alternative approach to learning. HeartCode is the official, self-directed, comprehensive eLearning program from the AHA that uses Simulation technology and Voice-Assisted Manikins( VAMs) to teach Basic Life Support( BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support( ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support( PALS) in adherence to the AHA Guidelines.
HeartCode teaches the same information as is covered in the classroom, but it enhances the learning experience of students by using Simulation technology to provide feedback that cannot be achieved through classroom teaching. In describing the program, the AHA reports:“ Through Simulation, students apply their knowledge to patient cases and see the results of their decision in realtime. Students gain experience about basic and advanced life support techniques in environments that imitate reallife, helping them prepare successful treatment plans in actual situations”( AHA, 2016).
How HeartCode Compares to Traditional Training Programs
HeartCode differs from traditional classroom training in its delivery, feedback capabilities, skill assessment, and cognitive components. The delivery of CPR learning with HeartCode looks very different than traditional classroom training. The self-guided learning approach transitions away from a live instructor, which is a major change for hospitals and students.
Feedback with HeartCode differs extensively from classroom-based learning. Differing from the traditional classroom model, the cognitive portion of HeartCode is completed online, on a desktop or laptop computer, and is module based, which allows the learning and testing to be rolled into one. The assessment of students’ skills and knowledge of BLS, ACLS, and PALS algorithms is based on the students’ performance during real-life simulations using the VAMs.
The student receives verbal feedback from the VAM, allowing the student to learn the precise compression depth and rate and the adequate volume of ventilations. Without the technology of VAMs, it is impossible for students to receive accurate feedback on the depth of compressions.
Advantages of HeartCode
Customers who have begun to use HeartCode in place of traditional classroom learning have experienced several benefits of making this transition, including standardization of training, more convenient learning, decreased costs, increased staff confidence, and even increased survival rates.
• Standardization of Training: Whereas there is a lot of room for subjectivity in the classroom, HeartCode training is objective due to the technology of the VAMs. Each student has to learn the same didactic information and perform the same skills at the same standard to pass the course.
• Convenience: The elimination of classroom learning sessions is a significant time saver for students. Students report that they prefer not to travel to a classroom for certification or recertification and that they love the availability of the program, and they can fit much of their required training sessions into their workday.
• Cost Comparison: Users of HeartCode have reported an extreme return on investment( ROI) and value and costs savings. With traditional classroom learning, there are course fees, instructor fees, student travel, materials and course completion cards to purchase. Additionally, students are paid their hourly rate for their time in the traditional classroom. This can be up to 16 hours with ACLS, whereas the ACLS HeartCode course takes between 4-6 hours. Significant time, and thereby cost, is saved due to the shortened course completion time with HeartCode.
• Confidence Levels: Students report that their confidence when responding to a code significantly increases with HeartCode training. Many hospitals have also reported that their staff responds more quickly to codes. Increased staff confidence levels have the potential to lead to improved staff satisfaction and better survival outcomes.
• Survival Rates: Hospitals that have made the switch to HeartCode have reported that their survival rates among patients who suffer cardiac arrest have increased. Based on their preliminary data, one hospital reported an improvement in its survival rates from 28 % to 80 %.
12 HealthStream E-Book: High-Quality CPR: Breathing New Life into Your Training Program