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What does performance measurement have to do with EMS?  According to EMS Compass, a performance based initiative, it has everything to do with improving patient care and demonstrating value.

Unfortunately, data collection and performance measures haven’t been part of EMS’ vocabulary.  It is true it’s been hard to measure performance and come up with the right tool that wasn’t labor intensive.  Some ambulance services have a formal process to collect data, but many don’t.  The Wisconsin Ambulance Run Data System, commonly known as WARDS, is an option, but clunky.  Some have simply relied on what others gave them – like on-scene time reports from dispatch, or scene to balloon time for a stemi patient brought to the CATH Lab. 

According to Dia Gainor with the National Association of State EMS Officials, “Measuring performance is the first step toward improving it.”  I couldn’t agree with her more. 

Currently, there is a national project underway to fund EMS Compass, an initiative to develop performance measures specific to EMS.  They are making great strides with a team of 50 software developers – many of whom are volunteering their time.   Nick Nudell is the project manager.  Let’s find out what he has to say in this episode of EMS to the Point.

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