An updated and improved VESAP4 will debut soon, bringing with it a companion app that lets users access the program off-line and then sync with the desktop version. The fourth edition of the Vascular Self-Assessment and Education Program will launch in August. Besides the important addition of the companion app (Apple products only), VESAP4 also will offer easier navigation, new and updated content, simplified tracking of CME and MOC certificates, and expanded bookmarking and annotation. The program continues to offer both learning and examination modes and the ability to earn both Continuing Medical Education credits (7.5 for each section, for a total of 75) and Maintenance of Certification self-assessment credits.
Editors-in-Chief Drs. Amy Reed and Gregory Modrall have guided the program through more than two years of development: conducting an indepth review of the content of VESAP3, creating new content lineups, and overseeing exhaustive, multiple levels of peer review of all materials. Assisting were editors for each of the 10 sections, plus 50 or more surgeons who wrote questions from which the final content questions were selected. Sections contain 48 to 54 questions.
VESAP4 builds on the "resounding success of the first three iterations of VESAP," said Dr. Modrall. "The previous editors did a marvelous job and provided a great foundation for this version. We simply took the next step to expand and enhance the educational product." Both surgeons are particularly excited about the companion app. "For years, users had to be on a computer with Internet access, making it a challenge to use if they didn’t have access or if they were in a location that blocks certain sites," said Dr. Modrall. "Now people will be able to use VESAP in virtually any environment, such as while waiting for a case to start or traveling on a plane."
"Close attention was paid to published content areas outlined by the Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery and the American Board of Surgery for vascular training and certification examinations," said Dr. Reed, adding that this makes VESAP4 an excellent tool for studying for qualifying, certification and re-certification exams. "We wanted to ensure that all the relevant areas were appropriately covered."
While there is not a specific section focused on trauma, "we did emphasize to section editors to bring in vascular trauma where applicable," Dr. Reed said. Discussions on anticoagulants, new medications, and new approaches in vascular medicine also are included, among other topics. The materials are consistent with current practice patterns and guidelines, and with existing and current literature in vascular surgery, the surgeons said. This edition also includes increased collaboration with the "Rutherford’s Vascular Surgery" reference set.
VESAP3 expires Sept. 1. After that time, buyers can continue to use the product for studying but will no longer be able to claim CME or MOC credits. VESAP4 will expire three years after its launch date. For more information, visit vsweb.org/VESAP4.[[{"fid":"1714","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false,"external_url":""},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","alignment":"","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false,"external_url":""}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":113,"width":667,"style":"float: left;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]