In spring of 2004, ASCP’s Teleconference Committee identified Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) as a subject warranting fast-track program development. Although unrelated to the work of this cooperative agreement, an ASCP Town Hall Audio conference was presented on October 7, 2004 by Fred Tenover, PhD on the topic of “Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.” A total of 157 locations registered for the program validating a need among clinical laboratory professionals for continuing education on AST-related topics. Feedback from the audio conference participants indicated a very high level of satisfaction with the presentation and educational modality.

1. Based upon these outcomes, it was determined to identify a group of content experts to participate in a work group charged with responding to the cooperative agreement in the area of AST. The identified work group members included Gerri Hall, PhD, Chair, Calvin Strand, MD, Eunice Rosner, EdD,MS, Fred Tenover, PhD and Richard VanEnk, PhD. The work group met via conference call in November 2004 and agreed to pursue the development of an audio conference focused on AST.
2. The outcome of discussions resulted in consensus on presenting a program on “CLSI Updates and the Clinical Microbiology Laboratorian: Putting Guidelines into Practice.” The learner-focused objectives for the event included: formulate a list of antibiotics that are appropriate for routine testing in their facility; obtain possible solutions to issues that arise in regard to testing of new antibiotics, those that have no interpretive criteria, or are contraindicated in the situation for which they are being requested; better understand the development and dissemination of an anti-biogram. Drs. Hall & Van Enk agreed to serve as the facilitators of the educational event.
3. An audio conference was held on March 24, 2005 with 500 sites participating. A pre-test, post-test and evaluation were administered. Analysis of the test results and course evaluation was completed by Meaningful Measurement, Inc.
4. Participant results: 352 participants completed the pre-test and 277 responded to the post-test. There was a statistically significant difference in the pre-test measures and those of the post-training, thus the training had the desired effect of increasing knowledge of AST. Course evaluations: 300 participants returned course evaluations. The responses were affirmative, reflecting a high degree of satisfaction with the educational event.
5. In follow up to the AST audio conference, an AST Work Group convened and supported the development of an on-line educational course. The content of the on-line course would be drawn from select information presented during the March 24 audio conference.
6. On July 14, 2006, the new ASCP eCourse, “CLSI Updates and the Clinical Microbiology Laboratorian: Putting Guidelines into Practice” authored by Gerri Hall, PhD and Richard Van Enk, PhD made its on-line debut.