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Improved flight following through continuous quality improvement.
N H Benson1, R C Hunt, J Tolson
1Department of Emergency Medicine, East Carolina University School of Medicine, Greenville, NC 27858.
Air Medical Journal
|April 8, 1994
Summary
Implementing a structured continuous quality improvement (CQI) process significantly enhanced flight following compliance for an air medical transport service. This ensures adherence to national safety standards and improves operational efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Aviation Safety
- Healthcare Management
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Flight following is critical for air medical transport safety.
- National standards mandate strict adherence to flight following protocols.
- EastCare, a rural air medical service, assessed its flight following compliance over three years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a continuous quality improvement (CQI) process on flight following compliance.
- To identify areas for improvement within the air medical transport service's operations.
Main Methods:
- EastCare, a hospital-based, single-helicopter service, utilized a CQI process.
- The CQI process involved monthly meetings to discuss identified areas for improvement.
- Data on flight following intervals was collected and analyzed over a three-year period.
Main Results:
- Flight following compliance exceeded 98% in 1989, increasing to 99.6% by 1991.
- The CQI process highlighted needs for educational enhancements and technological solutions.
- Specific areas requiring improvement were identified and addressed through the CQI framework.
Conclusions:
- A structured CQI process demonstrably improved flight following compliance.
- Consistent adherence to flight following protocols was achieved through the CQI initiative.
- The study underscores the value of CQI in maintaining high safety standards in air medical services.