EPIC Instructions
A Getting Started Tutorial
including
EPIC Instructions
Item Writing Basics
FAQs
www.Inteleos.org
Item Writing
• EPIC is the Remote Item Writing Portal where
we ask our volunteers to help us write exam
questions.
• It is a website that can be accessed from any
internet-connected computer.
• It was created specifically with our volunteer
item writers in mind.
Accessing EPIC
Web address (URL):
https://ardms-prod-riw.epic-exam.com/
Username is your ARDMS or APCA #
Your password will be assigned and emailed
to you after you complete ADRMS/APCA
Item Writing Training and sign our
Confidentiality Agreement.
Bookmark the site for easy access!
Navigating the Item Writing Portal
The front page features an overview of all
of the projects to which you are assigned.
Navigating the Item Writing Portal
Your project appears
here. If you are writing for
more than one project or
exam, all of your assigned
projects appear here.
Creating an Item
To access the item writing
screen, click here.
Creating an Item
We’ve designed a clean, simple
template for you to use to
submit your items.
Click on the blue button in the
Content box to select which area of
the Content Outline this item will
address.
Creating an Item
In the Select Content screen, use the scroll bar on the right to view all of the
available content areas from which to choose the topic for this item. Once you’ve
found the desired content area, click on that line and then click “Select.” Please
note: depending on the project needs, you may not see all content areas. In
addition, as content areas become full, they will disappear from this list.
Creating an Item
Next, enter the stem
remembering to phrase it
in the form of a question
with a question mark (?)
at the end.
Inserting an Image
To insert an image, first write the stem.
ARDMS images are always placed after
the text of the stem.
Once the stem is written, press the enter
key twice and then use your mouse to
click the insert new exhibit icon (shown).
Then search your computer and upload
the image.
Inserting an Image
The details tab will appear once
your image is uploaded.
If your item text refers to an arrow
in the image, please let us know in
the comments where the arrow
needs to be placed by our in-house
image editor. You may place other
image-editing notes here.
Inserting an Image
The next tab you will need to select
is classification.
Please classify the image you are
uploading in as many categories as
possible on the 4 tabs:
- Artifacts
- Image type
- Sonographic Characteristics
- Terminology
The example shown is a gray-scale
image so you would check the box
next to Gray-scale.
Once you have classified the image,
please click “Save Exhibit.” (You do
not need to provide a reference on
the reference tab.)
Inserting an Image
A note about images…
ALL PATIENT AND FACILTY INFORMATION SHOULD BE REMOVED BEFORE UPLOADING AN IMAGE.
Please use the best image quality that you can.
You may include more than one image per question.
We ask that you use non-copywritten images that you have obtained from scanning patients. (Not
from a previously published work.) If you do not scan patients, you may use images from your
colleagues, provided you have their permission. (Coming soon: Access to the ARDMS image bank.)
Individual file sizes should be kept to no more than 10 MB per image and 20 MB per video.
Depending on the file size of the image, it
may take a few moments for the system
to accept the upload. Please be patient.
Adding the
Response Options
to an Item
Next, add the response options,
keeping in mind to include the
correct answer, or key. You will
indicate the key click the small,
round radio button to the left of the
correct response option.
References
The final part of submitting an item is adding the reference. Having valid and current references
for our items is one way we maintain the credibility of our exams.
What you want to reference is the
over-arching concept of the item.
For example, if your item addresses
intracranial hemorrhages, you’ll want
to include a reference that addresses
them.
Create a reference by clicking
“Add Reference.”
References
Use this scroll bar to view
the existing resources in
the library. Once you have
found your desired
reference, click on it.
You will then need to add
the beginning page
number for your exact
topic for your item here.
Add the ending page
number for your exact
topic for your item here.
References
If you do not see your reference and edition in the library, please add the reference
in the Reference Notes section.
Add your reference here. Include
Title of work, Editor/Author,
Edition, Publisher, & Publication
Date, and Page(s).
And…
Submit your reference to the Item Development
Coordinator and we can add it to the library for
everyone to use!
Save/Submit/Send to Mentor
The Save/Submit/Submit to Mentor buttons are at the bottom of the page.
Click Save to save your item in system for further editing
(Status will be “Incomplete”)
If you have been paired with a Mentor, click Send to Mentor.
The item will be locked for editing until the Mentor adds
his/her feedback (within 5-7 days).
Click Submit – ONLY when all of the required fields have been
completed. Once you submit an item, you cannot go back
and edit it. (Status will be “Pending”)
Item Writing Basics
1. Do not write True/False or Fill-in the-Blank questions.
2. Avoid Giving Away the Key with implausible distractors
3. Place Common Wording in Stem
4. Do not write negative stems. (Don’t use “never” or “not”)
5. Do not use, “All of the Above” or “None of the Above”
FAQs
I’m having trouble with EPIC. (ie. the functionality isn’t working or I can’t upload images.)
We have Technical Support available at 1-800-541-9754 x. 217. If no one answers, please leave a detailed
message including how to get back to you. (Phone number, best time to call, email address)
What about the other fields in EPIC—like Rationale and Keywords?
We do not require you to use some of the additional features of EPIC. You may skip them.
Where can I get some additional guidance on writing items?
Ask your Mentor, email your project manager or Item Development Coordinator for additional help
and guidance on writing items. [email protected]
You can also view three short videos on our YouTube channel.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb6_vhXdUwQ&list=PL9g7E22wBM2km7ZQh7pt97ODP8gJ5A1Sz)
I am credentialed in multiple specialties. Can I be a part of multiple writing projects?
Yes! View all your projects on the Projects Overview page, the first screen you see when you log in.