More than 80 Respiratory Therapists attended Maine Medical Center's Skills Day Workshop to obtain their required continuing education units (CEUs). Sally Whitten RRT, Lead Hemodynamic Therapist at MMC, requested ICON's participation in developing one of the14 stations that made up the three Skills Days. Attendees participated in ICON's Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV) skills station, where a multidisciplinary staff conducted interactive training via remote teleconferencing.

The APRV skills station successfully demonstrated program development opportunities offered by ICON. An experienced team of clinicians and information technology specialists worked with Ms. Whitten and Maine Medical Center to provide interactive education, directed to improve the quality of critical care in the ICU. ICON customized a program to meet Maine Medical Center's expectations for an APRV workshop. Ms. Whitten stated, "ICON's clinical expertise with APRV provided the staff with knowledge required to utilize this mode effectively. Their collaboration allowed me to focus on the preparation of the other 13 skills stations."

Because the workshop occurred remotely, ICON developed a skills station that was interactive to maximize the learning experience. Respiratory Therapists at Maine Medical Center and ICON clinical specialists viewed and heard each other through a webcam and a speakerphone. ICON utilized PowerPoint slides, real-time ventilator waveforms simulation and graphics to engage attendees during the workshop.

Attendees gave the program rave reviews. Ms. Whitten reported one participant's comment, "Whatever you spent on that it was worth every penny." Another Therapist stated, "The ICON staff raised interactive learning to a new level." Mark Bauman RN, MS, Clinical Specialist at ICON, believes this is the reason for the program's success. He commented, "We developed a customized, interactive program for Maine Medical Center based on their needs; this is why we believe it was so successful."

By utilizing the benefits of advancing technology, ICON provides effective, interactive web-based educational services to healthcare providers worldwide. ICON's ability to develop and customize flexible programs based on clients needs satisfies the increasing demand for continuing education and accountability among healthcare providers to meet industry.