Evaluating State Capacity to Collect andAnalyze Emergency Medical Services Data

Abstract

Background. Centralized emergency medical services (EMS) data collection is critical to evaluating EMS system effectiveness, yet a general lack of EMS data persists at local, state, andnational levels. Objective. To assess state capacity to collect, analyze, andutilize EMS data. Methods. Information was gathered through state site visits andsurveys from 54 states andU.S. territories in spring 2003 regarding EMS data-collection systems. Survey results were used to create 11 broad indicators that assess state data system infrastructure, collection methods, compliance with data standards, anddata uses. Results. States andterritories on average met 59% of the EMS data system indicators, with four states meeting all 11 indicators andtwo states meeting none. Seventy-six percent of the states reported having state-level EMS data-collection systems, and78% reported having authority to collect EMS data. However, most state EMS data sets were not capturing information on all EMS incidents, andonly 46% of the states had data dictionaries containing at least three-fourths of nationally recommended EMS data elements. In addition, only 33% of the states had linked EMS data with other health data sets to analyze EMS system operations andpatient outcomes. Conclusion. While EMS data systems exist in the majority of states, continued attention andresources are needed for state-level EMS data system development to improve capacity for evaluation of emergency medical services.