Improving Patient Care Through Data Exchange in Emergency Medical Services
Emergency departments that have strong connections to emergency medical response data are able to provide faster care and improve overall health outcomes. Similarly, field healthcare clinicians rely on healthcare data exchange to enhance patient care.
Enhancing Patient Care Through Data Exchange
Accessing health information through state exchanges can significantly improve patient care and operations for EMS agencies. National Emergency Medical Services Information System’s Technical Assistance Center and the University of Michigan’s Center for Health and Research Transformation highlighted the importance of data exchange in a presentation at HIMSS24.
According to Joshua Legler, an EMS data consultant for NEMSIS, the presence of hospital outcome data in the national EMS database has shown significant improvement. EMS organizations are encouraged to participate in national data networks to streamline data exchange.
Increasing Data Flow to EMS
EMS agencies have made strides in sending hospital outcome data to the national database. The percentage of EMS patient care reports with data for ED Disposition or Hospital Disposition has increased, indicating a positive trend in data exchange.
Many ePCR vendors are actively involved in sending hospital outcome data to state systems, contributing to the improvement in data exchange between EMS agencies and hospitals.
Benefits of Patient Outcome Data for EMS
Access to patients’ hospital outcomes allows field clinicians to make more informed decisions based on medical histories and treatment plans. It also enables EMS agencies to analyze primary impressions against emergency department diagnoses, leading to better patient care.
EMS agencies can leverage hospital outcome data to enhance crew morale, clinician training, and agency resiliency. Improved data exchange also facilitates better understanding of patients’ utilization and enhances financial reimbursements for ambulance services.
Facilitating Data Flow
NEMSIS is working towards aligning with the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement to improve interoperability with state EMS systems. Training staff on patient record systems and ensuring seamless data flow are critical steps in enhancing data exchange between EMS agencies and healthcare providers.
Efforts to improve interoperability and encourage participation from all stakeholders are essential in building a robust data exchange system in emergency medical services.
By prioritizing data exchange and leveraging patient outcome data, EMS agencies can enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and drive better health outcomes for the community.
