[Optimization of use of prehospital emergency physicians after new dispatch and guidance instructions].
Ugeskrift for Laeger · 2008-05-05 · Implementation & quality improvement
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Correct use of prehospital medical competence requires optimal dispatch. Based on the severity gauge Severity of Injury/Illness Index (SIII) which grades injury/illness into eight levels, we examined the effect of implementing new dispatch and guidance instructions in the emergency call centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From the local Prehospital Database we have withdrawn data from 1st August 2000 to 31st December 2005. On 1st August 2003 new dispatch and guidance instructions were implemented with a graded allocation of prehospital resources. It is hereby possible to dispatch 1) an ambulance + prehospital emergency physician (PEP); 2) an ambulance; or refer to 3) self care or alternative transportation. RESULTS: During the study 10,585 patients were attended by a PEP. After implementing the new dispatch and guidance instructions we experienced a total increase of five per cent in the four most severe SIII-groups. A total of 189 patients were transferred to the relevant groups. These changes are significant with p < 0,001 (chi2-test). CONCLUSION: By implementing more graded dispatch and guidance instructions in the emergency call centre it is possible to optimise the use of the PEP.