Citation

Kuisma M, Väyrynen T, Hiltunen T, Porthan K, Aaltonen J. Am. J. Emerg. Med. 2009; 27(8): 948-955.

Affiliation

Helsinki EMS, Helsinki University Central Hospital, PO Box 112, FIN-00099 Helsingin kaupunki, Finland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ajem.2008.07.033

PMID

19857413

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We examined the effect of the change from paper records to the electronic patient records (EPRs) on ambulance call duration. METHODS: We retrieved call duration times 6 months before (group 1) and 6 months after (group 2) the introduction of EPR. Subgroup analysis of group 2 was fulfilled depending whether the calls were made during the first or last 3 months after EPR introduction. RESULTS: We analyzed 37 599 ambulance calls (17 950 were in group 1 and 19 649 were in group 2). The median call duration in group 1 was 48 minutes and in group 2 was 49 minutes (P = .008). In group 2, call duration was longer during the first 3 months after EPR introduction. In multiple linear regression analysis, urgency category (P < .0001), unit level (P < .0001), and transportation decision (P < .0001) influenced the call duration. The documentation method was not a significant factor. CONCLUSIONS: Electronic patient record system can be implemented in an urban ambulance service in such a way that documentation method does not become a significant factor in determining call duration in the long run. Temporary performance drop during the first 3 months after introduction was noticed, reflecting adaptation process to a new way of working.

Language: en