An optically scanned EMS reporting form and analysis system for statewide use: development and five years' experience

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Public Health Informatics
• Emergency Medicine Systems

Background:

• Comparative analysis of emergency medical services (EMS) data is hindered by inconsistent data collection and analysis methods across regions.
• Standardized EMS data is essential for effective planning, education, research, and quality assurance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a practical and uniform EMS reporting system for standardized data collection and analysis.
• To create a data set and reporting format suitable for microcomputer analysis and quality assurance.

Main Methods:

• Referenced the federal minimum data set (MDS) and surveyed 22 states with uniform reporting systems.
• Developed a 48-element data set based on MDS, survey results, literature review, and local provider consensus.
• Incorporated narrative and optically scanned formats for automated data collection and microcomputer analysis.

Main Results:

• A uniform EMS reporting system was developed and adopted by seven states, with a combined database exceeding 250,000 cases.
• Error screening algorithms ensure data integrity and support quality assurance initiatives.
• Customized output reports are generated rapidly, aiding in EMS quality assurance, planning, and research.

Conclusions:

• The developed system demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of using standardized data elements, optical scanning, and microcomputer analysis for EMS data.
• This uniform reporting system significantly improves the ability to conduct comparative analyses and enhance EMS system performance.