Argentine Society of Cardiology Continuous Update Program (PROSAC)

pp 447-452

Abstract

Background
The development of scientific knowledge and technology in the field of health sciences evolves so rapidly that the implementation of new ways of continuous education is essential to prevent human resource obsolescence, a cir- cumstance that occurs more frequently than that of other resources of the area. The main activity of the Argentine Society of Cardiology is spreading the scientific knowledge by developing Congresses, publishing the Revista Argentina de Cardiología, organizing face-to-face courses, scientific meetings and the PROSAC, the Argentine Society of Cardiology Distance Learning Program.

Objective
To communicate the experience of the Cardiology Update Program, PROSAC, implemented by the Argentine Society of Cardiology since 2007.

Material and Methods
The PROSAC includes texts (printed material), conferences and controversies, case reports, image gallery (included in a CD provided with the printed material) and written tests at the end of each module. All the material is also available at the web site www.sac.org.ar

Results
The program started in August 2007 and 498 participants were matriculated; by December 2010 the number increased to 847 professionals, 68% men and 32% women; age ranged from 40 to 60 years. The course was published in 5 modules (10 fascicles). The test was taken and approved by 79% of those enrolled in the program.

Conclusions

This evaluation of the Program considered that the fulfillment of the activities and the level of retaining knowledge were very promising. The Program has been installed in a MOODLE platform since December 2010 in order to achieve more active participation and cooperative learning.