Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2025
Development and Implementation of a Multi-Disciplinary Technology Enhanced Care Pathway for Youth and Adults with Concussion
Published on: January 20, 2019
Developing and integrating a destination decision support algorithm into an innovative electronic communication
, Aurore Nishimwe1, Justine Davies1
1University of Birmingham.
Introduction:
Delays in getting injured patients to hospital in a timely manner can increase avoidable death and disability. Like many low- or middle-income countries (LMICs), Rwanda experiences delays related to lack of efficient prehospital communication and formal guidelines to triage patients for hospital care. This paper describes the protocol to develop, roll out, and evaluate the effectiveness of a Destination Decision Support Algorithm (DDSA) integrated in an electronic communication platform, '912Rwanda'. The DDSA will facilitate the linkage of patients to health facilities able to treat their condition(s). Work will be conducted in three phases: i. development, ii. training and roll-out, and iii. evaluation.
Methods And Analysis:
Work will be conducted in the pre-hospital emergency service "SAMU - Service d'Aide Medicale Urgente" and health facilities in Kigali City and Musanze District, which serve predominately urban and rural populations, respectively. We will develop interfaces to capture facility and patient-relevant data, which feed into a guideline-based electronic DDSA to match patients to hospitals. We will assess existing trauma care processes using qualitative and quantitative methodologies. This will be followed by a series of consensus workshops to develop at-scene triage guidelines and agree variables to capture in the interfaces. The DDSA will be developed based on outputs from these workshops and tested against historical ambulance data and expert opinion until acceptable thresholds of performance are passed. User interfaces will be developed and tested using human computer interface design principles.
Discussion:
The combined collaborative approach of bringing together experts and software developers, and with deep engagement of Rwandan stakeholders, including leadership of Rwanda Ministry of health through its technical arm, the Rwanda Biomedical Center, should lead to an ambulance communication system which is utilized, sustained, and effective.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
01:19Restorative Care
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
01:26Principles of Disease Surveillance
01:15Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
For example, a patient with a chronic...
01:10Documentation of Nursing Diagnosis
In some settings, data-driven computerized decision support systems are in place, allowing for more accurate nursing diagnoses. The database within one of these systems includes diagnostic labels defining characteristics, activities, and indicators for nursing. A nurse enters...