Related Experiment Videos
Utstein registration used as a tool in organisational development
P G Weydahl1, A M Stoen, B Jorgensen
1Division for Emergency Medicine, Ostfold Hospital, Fredrikstad, Norway.
Resuscitation
|May 4, 1999
Summary
Merging emergency medical services (EMS) and using Utstein registration improved out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes. This data-driven approach enhanced EMS performance and public perception.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Seven independent Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations in Ostfold county were merged into a single entity.
- Prior to the merger, media criticism was significant regarding the centralization of emergency services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of EMS reorganization on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes.
- To assess the utility of Utstein cardiac arrest registration as a tool during the EMS reorganization process.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of all OHCA cases in Ostfold county in 1997, registered using the Utstein template.
- Results were disseminated to EMS personnel and presented to the media.
Main Results:
- Of 163 cardiac arrests, 59% received bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Survival to discharge was 13% (9.1 per 100,000 inhabitants), with 32% of ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT) patients surviving.
- Most survivors (18/22) had good neurological function (CPC 1, OPC 1).
- Media criticism ceased following the presentation of positive results, and a sense of unity emerged among EMS personnel.
Conclusions:
- Utstein cardiac arrest registration proved effective as an internal and external tool during the EMS reorganization.
- The data facilitated a positive shift in public and media perception, contributing to successful organizational change.