Effect of introduction of electronic patient reporting on the duration of ambulance calls.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Helsinki EMS, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsingin kaupunki, Finland. markku.kuisma@hus.fi
Markku
M
Kuisma
Taneli
T
Väyrynen
Tuomas
T
Hiltunen
Kari
K
Porthan
Janne
J
Aaltonen
D000552:Ambulances; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013997:Time Factors; D014505:Urban Population