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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who can I contact for assistance?

A: You can email the ACME program at [email protected] with any questions!

Q: What type of accredited continuing medical education is offered?

A: Endeavor Health: Edward-Elmhurst Hospitals Accredited CME program is accredited, with commendation, by the Illinois State Medical Society to provide accredited continuing medical education credit (ACME) to physicians. This consists of only AMA PRA Category 1 Credit and MOC Credit (as part of an agreement between the ACCME and the respective medical boards lists). Only physicians are eligible to be awarded AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. The AMA defines physicians as those individuals who have obtained an MD, DO, or equivalent medical degree from another country. No other healthcare providers may be awarded AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. However, accredited CME providers, such as Endeavor Health: Edward-Elmhurst Hospitals, may issue documentation of participation to non-physician participants who state the activity was certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit, which translates to other credit types. It is the responsibility of the healthcare provider to obtain their certificate and track their own hours. All providers have access to CloudCME to track their own credits, both internal and external. Accredited CME programs are only required to maintain information regarding physician AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.

Q: How does the Planning & Education Committee support the planning process?

A: The Program & Education Committee is comprised of approximately 25 members from Edward, Elmhurst, and Linden Oaks Hospitals which include physicians, PsyDs, APPs, RNs, and administrative staff from a variety of backgrounds and specialties to provide a well-rounded knowledge base for review and approval of the various applications submitted. It is the responsibility of the committee to ensure that the ACME activities meet the standards set forth by the ISMS and ACCME for ACME and to ensure that all compliance regulations and policies are followed. it is also the mission of the committee to ensure that the ACME program supports the hospitals' commitment to improving health and patient care through quality, evidence-based educational activities. This goal is accomplished by producing high quality education that increases the knowledge, competence, and performance of physicians and other healthcare professionals and improves patient/community health. It is expected that participants in ACME activities integrate what they learn into daily practice to improve competence and performance in areas of patient care, patient safety, and professional practice.

Q: What is the ACME department process?

A: After approval from the Program & Education Committee, the ACME department activates the activity in the CloudCME portal and enters any additional activity information required. This portal is where providers see all ACME activities. Activation in the portal includes the following:

- Creating the official notice or brochure that includes the approved objectives and the amount of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit granted to the approved activity.
- Adding the overview of the activity on the portal
- Creating a registration link
- Granting permission to planners for registration/attendance reports access
- Developing a faculty page with photo, bio, and disclosure information, using info previously provided
- Developing a schedule/agenda page outlining sessions, timing, etc.
- Sending an email to all members that a new item has been added for registration
- Provides QR Code template to planners to use on the day of the event to document attend
- Provides instructions on how to use CloudCME.

CloudCME information and instructions for participants are provided to planners for dissemination. Planners often use this with preliminary “save the date” emails to ensure participants are prepared to document attendance.

Q: What marketing is initiated by the ACME department?

A: The ACME department works with the medical staff office at Edward and Elmhurst hospitals to send information out via DocBox to physicians and providers credentialed through the MSO. This does not included nursing or APPs who were not credentialed through the MSO. Please reach out to nursing administration for nursing/APPs

- Brochures/flyers placed in physician lounges
- Physician liaison staff are provided copies to disseminate when visiting off-site locations
- If time allows, mailing to credentialed physician offices can be scheduled and completed
- Emails through the [email protected] email address sent to target audiences

Q: Who coordinates activity setup?

A: Planners of the activity coordinate A/V, speaker requests, WebEx, or any other special requests
- For A/V, room set up, WebEx/video conference and recording requests: contact IT
- For catering requests, please contact food service directly

Q: What if the activity is cancelled?

A: In the event of a cancellation due to weather, low attendance, etc., it is the responsibility of the planners to notify the attendees. The ACME department will update the portal to reflect the cancellation.

Q: Can vendors support an ACME activity?

A: NO! To avoid developing financial relationships between physicians and ineligible companies, we do not allow any vendors to support the program (this includes food). The ACME department is dedicated to keeping education completely free of bias. We do not accept commercial support of any kind; we are self-funded.

Q: Can vendors exhibit at an ACME program?

A: Yes. Though planners are primary contacts for vendors, the ACME department is responsible for ensuring that exhibitors follow strict rules set forth by the ISMS and ACCME. If planners should include vendors to exhibit at an ACME activity, they are individually invited by the ACME department and required to register as exhibitors, complete an online agreement, and adhere to the ACME exhibitor policies and procedures.

Exhibitors are required to pay for tables and are provided with 6' tables at a cost depending on the event. Exhibitors are placed in a room separate from the educational event and required to remain in the area unless previous written consent is requested and approved. If exhibitors do not comply with any of the requirements set forth in the agreement, they are not included in the final exhibitor listing or layout, and monies are not refunded. If Exhibitors are found to be out of compliance during the activity, they are asked to leave and monies are not refunded.

Q: How do I use CloudCME?

A: Anyone involved in the content creation, review or other aspects of the activity are required to use CloudCME to handle activity details. Planners are required to attend at least one training session assigned by the ACME department to ensure they are familiar with the requirements and standards of accredited CME and can manage the software required to process documentation for ACME programs.

Q: How do I check in for Grand Rounds, Case Conference, or Live activities?

A: There are two methods: (1) via the mobile app: Download the CloudCME mobile app to your Apple or Android device(s) to access the Check-In menu and scan the QR code. This app also features mobile access to your transcripts, the calendar of events, and many other exciting features. (2) Via Text message: A distinct code will be provided for each individual Grand Rounds, Case Conference, and Live Activity.

If this is the first time you are texting your attendance, you must first pair your mobile number to your account to opt in to the text message attendance program. Text your email address to (630) 835-0554. You will receive a text notification indicating your phone number has been updated. Once your account is paired to your mobile number and you have obtained the event code, send the code via text to: (630) 835-0554.

Please note: Attendance can only be recorded 30 minutes prior to the activity start time, during the activity, and up to 30 minutes after the activity closes.