HVA
and our affiliated ambulance services switched to electronic patient
care records (ePCR) in July, 2008. Our records are held on an
internet-based server and paramedics access them through field computers
or by using computers in their stations.
The laptop computers communicate with the server through a broadband connection in the ambulance or station. Each HVA ambulance has an encrypted wireless WiFi "hot spot" and the medics connect with the server through their vehicle at the scene, and at the hospital.
"If you try to access the internet near a hospital where a number of HVA ambulances are present, you will see WiFi hotspots for each HVA vehicle in the vicinity", says Steve Vaujin, HVA's Information Systems manager. "But you won't be able to log in because they are encrypted".
Privacy of electronic patient care records is extremely important, and HVA has taken the proper steps to insure that the information recorded is kept private. Not only is the information encrypted, but the software records any attempt to view a patient record.
Information gathered from our Lifepak monitor-defibrillators is also transferred to the electronic patient care record, including 12-lead ECG, blood pressure and other vital signs.
When the chart is completed by the medic, he or she then press a button in the software which causes the chart to be faxed to the receiving hospital. Receiving hospitals can also use real-time software to read the chart and see the ECG.
The purpose of the patient care record is to document the patient's clinical situation, history, and treatment. The chart is later used for HVA quality improvement purposes and billing information (the chart, along with call center information is also downloaded into our billing software). Non-identifiable patient information is also submitted monthly to the Michigan Department of Community Health as required by state law.
HVA led a consortium of EMS services in Michigan to select the software and make it available to other agencies at a minimum cost.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions:
What information is entered into an electronic patient care record?
The record is automatically created by our dispatch center when the call is received. The incident location, dates/times, and assigned staff are entered into the record at this time. When the medic arrives at the scene, he or she enters information from the patient assessment into the record as well. This includes the paramedic's observations, vital signs, ECG (if appropriate), medical history, allergies, and any other information which will be helpful to the medics and emergency room staff in treating the patient. Patient treatment is also recorded, including medications given (if any). The record also includes the location of the receiving hospital and which nurse or physician was consulted.
What software and equipment does HVA use?
The electronic patient care records software management system is HealthEMS©, which is a product of the Sansio Corporation. Laptop computers are Panasonic Toughbooks©. The mobile WiFi hot spots are provided by InMotion© and we use different broadband service providers depending on the vehicles normal area of operation.
How do I get a copy of my patient care record?
You may receive a copy of your patient care record by contacting our billing office at 800-507-7847. You must provide proper identification and authorization. There may be a copying charge.
I am a physician or nurse at the hospital that received a patient. How can I get a copy of my patient's EMS record?
You should contact your local HVA support facility and speak to the operations supervisor. If you are not sure how to do that, you can contact HVA's Quality Improvement Manager at 734-477-6344.
What other Michigan ambulance services were part of the consortium which selected Sansio HealthEMS?
HVA and affiliated ambulance services (Jackson Community Ambulance, Lenawee Community Ambulance, Monroe Community Ambulance, and Albion Community Ambulance), Livingston County EMS, Plymouth Township Fire Department, Life EMS in West Michigan, Lifecare Ambulance in Battle Creek, Tri-Hospital EMS in Port Huron, and a number of ambulance services which utilize Mobile Health Resources billing services.
Additional Information: