b'ExaminationsTechnology Enhanced Items (TEIs) Psychomotor examinationNecessity drives new item improvementsdevelopment process Enhancing Examinations Items1 What is it? In late summer of 2020, significant improvements were made toNecessity is the mother of invention as the well-known proverb Technology Enhanced Items added to cognitive examinations.the Psychomotor Examinations that added efficiencies and clarity,states. And the COVID-19 pandemic certainly created a lot of enhanced the scheduling process and expanded functionality The National Registry began to incorporate TechnologyTEIs Technology Enhanced Items (TEIs) refer to the format ofand flexibility for our Registry Representatives and Examinationnecessity for everyoneincluding the National Registry. Items, test items that more closely simulate clinical practice. Coordinators.or questions, are the most crucial piece of our examinations. Enhanced Items (TEIs) on our examinations in fall of 2020.Historically the National Registry had relied on hosting several in-house Item Writing Panels each year. Several experts at various These items were created by EMS subject matter experts using2 What would it look like? COVID-19 Response levels of EMS and emergency medicine would visit Columbus the same process we follow to write and review items for all+No high-fidelity simulator or simulated patient neededand spend two to three days creating new questions. With the our examinations. We know from industry feedback that thesestandard manikins may be used pandemic, the Registry was forced to improvise.types of items make the testing experience more authentic and+Skill examiner may serve vocally as patient,engaging for candidates.TEIs use computer technology to develop items that maybystander, partnerinclude graphic images, highlighting, matching, ordered+Leniency with late additions to get candidates through Out of necessity, the National Registry shifted to remote What is a TEI?response, and even short video clips. For example, youthe examination panels, meeting online, to review rather than write items for TEI refers to the format of a test item that utilizes computermay be asked to select the answer option with an imagethe examinations. Though this shift was already beginning, it technology to deliver items to more closely simulate situations(picture) that shows a particular condition. Updated National Registry Representative Manual was hastened as in-person restrictions tightened. Immediately, encountered in clinical practice. The candidate is provided with+Reflects responsibility changesthe concept paid dividends as the new Item Review Panels +Collecting NDA/Release from examination personnel an examination that more fully assesses EMS candidates. The3 How are they developed? +Orientation video links included delivered 300 to 450 new items compared to the 170 to 200 items initial TEIs will incorporate some multiple response type items+Representatives now have more decision-making accomplished by the in-person Item Writing Panels.(more than one answer) with traditional multiple-choice (singleautonomy related roster changes and skill station setup Beyond the payoff in the number of examination items, the online answer) items. As we move forward, we will begin to includeTEIs are created by EMS subject matter experts as partItem Review Panels offered many additional benefits. More items that may incorporate multiple graphic images, highlighting,of the same process used to write and review items forUpdated Examination Coordinator Manual volunteers were attracted to the smaller time commitment and the matching, ordered response, and even short video clips. Asall EMS examinations. +Core content shortened; addendums reorganized/flexibility of participating from a location comfortable to them. For always, we will provide you with information prior to integratingexpanded the National Registry, it was more cost-efficient and productive.these new item types on any of the examinations.4 Why use them? +Info on NDA/Release from examination personnel Still, the change was not without hiccups. Turnover on the +Training video link includedEfficiency and Clarity Updates panels was much higher because volunteers sometimes felt less TEIs are being introduced to EMS exams because data+Renamed scenarios to items for consistent terminology engaged or did not feel the social pressure to return day in and shows that they make the testing experience morein both examinations day out. And, because Emergency Medical personnel was so authentic and engaging for candidates. +Reviewed all items for current clinical accuracy, including busy with pandemic-related care in our communities, recruitment the 2020 ECC guidelines efforts had to increase. That meant more phone calls, emails and 5 When would I see one? +Skill instruction revisions, making them simpler and easier conversations to find qualified candidates.to read +Videos produced for Skill Examiner and Candidate The National Registry has decided to continue remote Item OrientationReview Panels even as the pandemic restrictions subside. This fall, you will begin to see some multiple response+Virtual National Registry Representative training However, our team will develop new policies and techniques of type items along with traditional multiple choice items.engagement to ensure we continue to see the most benefit from Over time, other types of items will be included. Asthis new method of item development. always, we will provide you with information prior to 18 adding new item types to the examinations. 19'