Increasing complexity of medical technology in helicopter emergency medical services and consequences for patient safety

Abstract

There is a trend for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) to rapidly adopt technologic advances from specialised healthcare within hospitals, ignoring other parts of the HEMS system. Using economic theory, we show that, when making investments in new technology, lack of consideration of system factors does not necessarily improve practice. The introduction of new technology may unintentionally add to work system complexity and workload. This can make a negative contribution to patient safety and healthcare quality.