This course is best viewed at a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher.

The interface houses the user controls and is the display platform for the course content.

• Upper Interface
  • Course Information: The upper left area of the user interface contains the course title. The lesson title displays directly below the course title.
  • Main Menu: The Main Menu provides direct links to the lessons in this course. A checkmark will appear next to the title once the requirements for that item have been met. The End of Course link will remain unavailable until all lessons have been completed.
  • Pagination: The pagination area in the upper right corner displays the page you are currently on, the total number of pages within the course and the percentage of the course that has been completed.
  • Exit Course: The Exit Course link, located in the upper right corner of the user interface, closes the course window.
• Lower Interface
  • Help: The Help button is located at the lower left corner of the user interface. Selecting this button will open an additional screen that provides information regarding system requirements, interface features, and course interactivity.
  • Resources: The Resources button is located at the lower left corner of the user interface next to the Help button. Selecting this button will open an additional screen containing all resources, source documents, and web addresses.
  • Progress Bar: The progress bar graphically demonstrates your progress through the course.
  • Navigation Buttons: Select the Next button to navigate forward to the next screen, and the Back button to return to the previously viewed screen. There are times, however, when screen’s navigation buttons may not be available (indicated by a "grayed–out" effect) until all required activities have been completed or when the screen only allows for navigation in a single direction.

Interactive features used throughout the course include:

• Hyperlinks: Selecting a link brings up additional information in any of the following forms:
  • Simulated Dialog Box: The Simulated Dialog Box contains additional, testable material directly related to the linked word(s). When you have finished reading the content, select the Close button located at the bottom of the Simulated Dialog Box.
  • Documents: Linked documents and tables contain testable material.
  • New Screens: Sometimes content amount exceeds a single screen’s real estate and must branch onto additional screens. In these cases, links are used to direct the user to additional screens within the course.
  • Web Sites: Links can also lead to Web sites outside the course. These Web sites contain useful and/or interesting information relevant to the topic. Content from outside Web sites is not testable material unless it is also found directly in the course content area.
• Interactivity: This course encompasses a variety of different activities.
  • Image Interactivity: Some images act as links and can be selected to bring up additional screens and information. There are times when an image must be selected before navigation becomes active and you are permitted to continue.
• Flash

  • Required Version of Flash Player Not Found
    The Flash elements contained within this course require Flash 10 or higher. Please contact your local IT staff for assistance. Continuing without the required Flash version will result in missing interactions or possibly entire testable content sections.

VA TMS Help Desk

If you have technical problems while in the course, taking a self–exam, taking the evaluation or printing a certificate of completion, please contact the VA TMS Help Desk via email at: VATMSHelp@va.gov or Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM EST toll free at: 1(866) 496–0463.

EES Project and Accreditation Manager

Lauran A. Hardy
Project Manager
VHA Employee Education System
St. Louis, MO
Lauran.Hardy@va.gov

Content Manager

Sara J. Landes, Ph.D.
Research Health Science Specialist
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Menlo Park, CA
Sara.Landes@va.gov