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ALSO offers a robust training program with 14 core curriculum topics included in the online component of the course, six of which are also included as hands-on workstations during the live component of the course. In addition, there are five optional chapters.
ALSO Provider Core Chapters:
*Also included as a workstation at the live course
ALSO Provider Optional Chapters:
The ALSO Provider Course has both an online component and a live component. Sponsors are given a unique course URL to share with their registrants. Learners use it to access and purchase (with course code) the online course, which they complete at their own pace prior to the live course. After completing the live course, learners have access to a letter of participation and a wallet card in their AAFP account.
The one-day, blended learning format reduces the time learners and faculty spend away from patient care. This approach also allows content to be absorbed at the learner’s chosen pace and lends itself to increased retention of the information. We created the blended learning format in response to course evaluations and feedback that repeatedly requested more flexibility in the ALSO course. A new team-based, simulated learning opportunity involving group testing on obstetrical emergency scenarios has also been added.
Prior to the live course, learners are required to review the ALSO provider manual, which is provided as a downloadable PDF. They are also required to watch recorded video lectures with slide presentations for all of the 14 core chapters. Video demonstrations by ALSO course faculty are presented for the six topics included as hands-on workstations at the live course:
Four online case studies are also included in this component of the course: (1) Intrapartum Fetal Surveillance, (2) Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy, (3) Late Pregnancy Bleeding, and (4) Labor Dystocia. Gaming technology is used to reinforce memorization of mnemonics taught throughout the ALSO course.
Safety in Maternity Care is the only lecture given during the live course. It is presented at the very beginning of the course. All of the other core chapters are recorded video lectures with slide presentations that learners watch online prior to the live course.
During the live course, learners’ application of knowledge is assessed at six hands-on workstations:
In addition, interactive group discussions are held on case studies focused on eclampsia, labor dystocia, and intrapartum fetal surveillance. The live course concludes with group testing on seven different obstetrical emergency scenarios.
Research on adult learning has shown that adults learn more effectively when working together to solve problems. The ALSO course incorporates an interprofessional education approach so that all health care team members learn the same standardized approach to apply during obstetrical emergencies. Group testing recreates scenarios that physicians and other health care professionals who provide maternity care encounter during real-life situations with their patients. Learners must apply their knowledge of ALSO content while communicating effectively as a team, as well as demonstrating adequate debriefing after the event.
No. The ALSO Provider Course is designed to be applicable to all health care professionals who provide maternity care, and testing is based on knowledge and application of the standardized ALSO content. Therefore, testing requirements are the same for all course participants.
Yes. New Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements have emphasized the use of simulated team training to demonstrate competency in responding to emergencies. The ALSO Provider Course is an effective way to ensure all residents can demonstrate emergency obstetrical techniques and team safety behaviors.
Although the ALSO program is owned and operated by the AAFP, its content is developed by a multispecialty and interprofessional team of medical editors, authors, and peer reviewers. In addition to family physicians, this expert team includes perinatologists, obstetricians, midwives, and nurses to encourage a comprehensive, standardized approach to obstetrical emergency training.
Yes. The AAFP is approved as a provider of CNE by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN). The online course is approved for nursing contact hours applicable for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), registered nurse (RN), and licensed practical nurse (LPN) relicensure. The live course hours depend on each ALSO sponsor’s agenda. Please note that ALSO is an advanced level course and may not be suitable for general CNE.
To report nursing contact hours to the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN), ALSO sponsors must ensure that the course roster is complete. All nurses must sign the roster each day they are present in the live course. If a nurse does not sign the roster, the ALSO sponsor will not report this individual’s completion of the course to the KSBN. After the live course, sponsors should scan and upload the course roster to their course dashboard prior to submitting it to the KSBN.
Although learners are expected to attend the ALSO Live Course on the date(s) for which they registered, we realize emergencies happen. However, the ALSO Online Course is an AAFP product that includes the entire ALSO provider manual as a downloadable PDF. Once a learner has accessed the online course, this is considered a purchase and it cannot be “returned.”
Learners who cannot attend the live course for which they registered should check with the course sponsor. Most sponsors have a cancellation policy. Possible options may include the following:
ALSO Department (dashboard and status inquiries)
Email also@aafp.org
(800) 274-2237, ext. 7506
(For efficiency, please do not contact individual staff.)
Member Resource Center (orders, invoice, AAFP ID assistance)
(800) 274-2237
Email aafp@aafp.org