Real-Time Triage, Position, and Documentation (TriPoD) During Medical Response to Major Incidents: Protocol for an...

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medical Services
• Health Informatics
• Disaster Management

Background:

• Lack of real-time information sharing technology in emergency medical services (EMS) hinders resource allocation during major incidents.
• Improved information exchange is crucial for prehospital care providers, command centers, and hospitals to minimize loss of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop, design, and evaluate information technology innovations for medical response to major incidents.
• To create a digital solution for real-time information sharing tailored to end-user needs.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative action research design involving development, evaluation, and replanning cycles.
• Data collection through workshops, interviews, questionnaires, observations, and focus groups with EMS and hospital personnel.
• Involvement of end-users and technology producers in developing a collaborative digital solution.

Main Results:

• The study is in its trial implementation and evaluation phase (April 2024 - May 2026).
• Initial data collection via interviews and observations has been completed.
• Analysis of user experiences and needs will inform the design of a new IT system.

Conclusions:

• The protocol outlines a user-centered approach to designing a digital solution for major incident management.
• Findings will contribute to research on user perspectives and the development of real-time information sharing systems in critical events.