EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH EFFECTIVENESS: A NEW UTSTEIN TYPE ANALYTICAL TOOL FOR STUDYING THE SPECIFIC STAGES IN THE CALL TAKING PROCESS. Issue 6 (19th May 2015) - Barron, Tracey
Abstract : Background: Whether a cardiac arrest treated by the ambulance service results in return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), is dependent on the actions of the emergency call handler and their ability to induce bystander CPR. The objective was to develop an Utstein style reporting tool as a stand-alone software reporting module that also allows users and researchers to enrich current data collection by integrating standardised call handling data from the software version of the Medical Priority Dispatch System protocol (ProQA) into current Utstein based reports, resulting in a more accurate and detailed analysis of the specific stages of call taking. Methods: A consensus group met on two occasions to review the existing Utstein literature. Drawing on the published research as the foundation of their evidence, and the accumulated experience of the group in relation to the call handling process, they developed a template of specific data elements generated by the software for the Utstein style reporting tool. The template was then reviewed by technical experts to confirm that a tool with these elements could be developed. Results: A total of eight time measurements (e.g., time at which a cardiac arrest is recognised), and 13 demographic/processing measurements (e.g., whether Pre-Arrival Instructions were given) were identified. These measurements are consistent between users, regardless of how they organise their dispatch processes. Each case contains a unique identifying number that allows users to integrate the data into their current Utstein reporting. Conclusions: The newly developed reporting tool makes analysis and comparison of Emergency Medical Dispatch resuscitation data possible and meaningful using universal measurements. It allows for more detailed evaluation between cardiac arrest variables, including comparison between individual staff and centres, with a view to identifying areas for performance and system improvements.