title: Data Value in Patient Tracking Systems at Racing Events.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  With the growing popularity of long-distance running races, an emerging area of interest for race organizers is the ability to electronically track and understand participant status throughout events to optimize runner and spectator experience and to identify and respond to the dynamic needs of both communities. This study examines the potential value of developing real-time patient tracking systems (PTS) at marathons based on the Chicago Medical Patient Tracking System (CMPTS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Data collected from the CMPTS and timing mats along the course for two running races in 2012 and 2013 were analyzed for data completeness and data value. Subjects consisted of patients who were tracked electronically in the system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A comparison of medical data collected by PTS and paper forms is provided. Once fully implemented, PTS have the potential to capture more accurate and more detailed information compared with paper forms. A significant amount of records obtained by paper forms lacks any time or diagnosis information.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A set of best practices for tracking applications and data collection at marathons is proposed to improve accuracy based on CMPTS implementations from 2012 to 2013. Developing and conforming to standards for data collection at marathons and other mass-gathering events could improve data sets created from PTS, which can be used to improve operational decisions at such events and can provide the foundation for prediction models for enhancing planning and preparedness.
authors: 1Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL; 2Center for Engineering and Health, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL; 3Department of Emergency Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; and 4Bank of America Chicago Marathon and Shamrock Shuffle, Chicago, IL.
authors: Colleen
authors: C
authors: Ross
authors: Mehmet
authors: M
authors: Başdere
authors: Jennifer L
authors: JL
authors: Chan
authors: Sanjay
authors: S
authors: Mehrotra
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Smilowitz
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Chiampas
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D002641:Chicago / Q000453:epidemiology; D057286:Electronic Health Records / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D010355:Patient Identification Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010807:Physical Endurance; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012420:Running / Q000293:injuries