9 EMS system administrators should constantly evaluate system performance and the level of care delivered. Information is gathered to assess various components of the system. This is particularly difficult because of a lack of consistent, reliable, accurate, and uniform data among the different agencies that constitute the system. Data sources may include standardized EMS run reports, dispatch logs, hospital patient records, incident reports, public safety records, testing, and surveys to assess perception and satisfaction. Patient confidentiality should be assured.
Data are to be tracked, recorded, and used to identify areas needing improvement.
Providers should be congratulated when standards are met or exceeded. When standards are not met, the reasons are to be determined, and a correction plan is to be established, implemented, and evaluated. The primary focus of the CQI is to assure that field staff members provide the highest quality patient care. Staff members should be assured that the system in which they work is supportive of this goal. Evaluation of EMS system performance must take place regionally and locally within individual agencies.