A cornerstone of ABEM's EMCC program is the concept of Lifelong Learning and Self Assessment (LLSA). The primary goal of LLSA is to promote continuous learning on the part of ABEM diplomates. ABEM will facilitate this learning within the context of LLSA by identifying an annual set of readings to guide diplomates in self-study of recent Emergency Medicine (EM) literature.
The Board wishes to identify important readings from well-respected journals and other publications that are widely and easily accessible to all ABEM diplomates published in either printed or electronic form. It is important to note, however, that the LLSA readings are designed as study tools and should be read critically. They are not intended to be all-inclusive and are not meant to define the standard of care for the clinical practice of EM.
You can have a voice in the identification of these readings. ABEM welcomes your participation and requests that EM organizations and ABEM diplomates submit suggestions for readings. As a result of these efforts, over the past several years, ABEM has received a significant number of recommended quality readings. There is concern, however, that the number of suggested readings may naturally diminish over time as organizations and individuals become increasingly busy.
Developing high-quality LLSA tests is dependent on high-quality readings.
Submission Criteria for LLSA Readings
ABEM has established the following criteria for LLSA readings:
1. Clinically oriented in content;
2. Focused on recent advances or current clinical knowledge in EM;
3. Drawn from peer-reviewed EM journals, peer-reviewed journals from related primary specialty fields, textbook chapters, or updated practice guidelines, published in either printed or electronic form;
4. Related to any content area of the EM Model Listing of Conditions and Components. (Prior to 2014, readings focused on either the designated content areas for a given year [approximately 50%], or the remaining content areas [approximately 50%] of the EM Model Listing of Conditions and Components.)
Content of LLSA Test in 2014
Although readings for the 2012 and 2013 LLSA tests have already been selected, the Board welcomes reference suggestions for future LLSA tests from the larger EM community on an ongoing basis.
Currently, ABEM is soliciting readings for the 2014 LLSA test. As noted above, beginning with the 2014 Reading List, there are no longer any designated content areas, so readings will be drawn from any content area of the EM Model Listing of Conditions and Components.
How to Submit Recommendations for LLSA Readings
For each reference submitted, ABEM must receive the following two items:
1. LLSA Reading Submission Form