Assessment of novel ICT-EMS systems to improve emergency patient transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2022.03.035Get rights and content

Highlights

  • Analysis of ICT-EMS systems' impact on transportation of critical patients.

  • SUS score indicated an overall negative perception of ICT-EMS systems.

  • There is still a great room for improvement in ICT-EMS systems.

Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the usability, feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the information and communication technology for emergency medical services (ICT-EMS) systems to improve the transportation of emergency patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) (n = 229) employed at 7 fire stations operated by the North Chungcheong Fire Service Headquarters, South Korea were trained to use ICT-EMS devices prior to a 1-month implementation period. System Usability Scale (SUS), Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM), Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM), and Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM) questionnaires were conducted in the 4th week of the 1-month implementation period to assess the perceived usability, feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the ICT-EMS systems.

Results

Among a total of 229 EMTs, 187 EMTs (81.7%) completed the survey. The overall SUS score was significantly low (score of 35.6) indicating an overall negative perception of the ICT-EMS systems. With regard to the feasibility, acceptability, and intervention appropriateness of ICT-EMS, roughly 50 (26.7%) participants agreed that ICT-EMS implementation was possible, appealing, and suitable.

Conclusion

Many potential areas of improvement were identified within the ICT-EMS systems. System alterations regarding usability, feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness may be necessary to successfully implement the ICT-EMS systems.

Keywords

Information technology
Emergency medical service communication systems
Feasibility studies
COVID-19

Abbreviations

ED
emergency department
EMS
emergency medical services
ICT
Information and Communications Technology
EMTs
emergency medical technicians
NFC
near field communication
SUS
System Usability Scale
FIM
Feasibility of Intervention Measure
AIM
Acceptability of Intervention Measure
IAM
Intervention Appropriateness Measure

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