Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117419

Lisa K. Hyde, MPA¹, Mike Schnyder, NNREMT-P¹, and Lenora Olson, MA². (1) Intermountain Injury Control Research Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, 295 Chipeta Way, PO Box 581289, Salt Lake City, UT 84158-0289, 801-581-5755, lisa.hyde@hsc.utah.edu, (2) Intermountain Injury Control Research Center, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, PO Box 581289, Salt Lake City, UT 84158-0289

Introduction: Several states have developed new, state-of-the-art statewide emergency medical services (EMS) data collection systems in recent years, but the lessons learned from these states have not been sufficiently reported for use in other states.

Methods: We selected six states with a recently implemented statewide electronic EMS data collection system. We conducted one-hour telephone interviews using a semi-structured interview process with each state EMS data system manager who oversaw the implementation of the system. Eleven lessons-learned questions were asked regarding common data system components: legislation, hardware, software, marketing, training, implementation, maintenance, quality management, reporting, funding and human resources, and overall lessons learned. Interviews were transcribed and sent to participants for verification and additional comments. Transcribed data were content-analyzed for known and emerging themes and constructs, which were then coded, categorized, and compared among study participants to derive final recommendations.

Results: Recommendations and lessons learned were provided in each of the 11 question categories. In the legislation category, for example, all six states stated that having a legislative mandate for EMS data submission is important for establishing and maintaining a new system, while voluntary systems are inherently ineffective. Regarding implementation, four states mentioned that states should not count on having reliable data for the first year of collection while agencies are making the transition to the new system, but should focus on long-term institutionalization of the system.

Conclusion: Dissemination of lessons learned from these states may offer insight and guidance to others considering implementation of statewide EMS data systems.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to identify the lessons learned from other states that have implemented statewide EMS data collection systems.

Keywords: Data Collection, Emergency

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.