Novel Use of Integrated Map Software and Traffic Congestion Data Affecting Staff Travel Time to PCI for STEMI

Abstract

Background: Recent data suggests hospitals struggle to meet time to PCI for STEMI guidelines. Multiple systems such as ambulance pre-notification and STEMI code protocols help to reduce this time, however more could be done. Integration of travel times and traffic congestion could be a major factor in resource allocation, service delivery and treatment planning. Methods: Using RStudio, Inc and Google map developer software, we set out to highlight the ability of this technology to improve service delivery. We developed computer algorithms to predict the effect of traffic congestion on recall staff travel times for STEMI code. Two established, high volume hospitals: metropolitan and outer metropolitan, were selected to highlight the effect of traffic congestion in the real world. Results: Traffic significantly increased travel times with 45% of metropolitan staff arriving within 30 minutes compared to 100% without traffic congestion, p < 0.05. Maps produced show staff postcodes most affected by traffic congestion. A lower proportion of outer metropolitan staff were affected by traffic congestion (56% arrive within 30mins at peak times). Conclusions: Integration of traffic congestion data, map software and hospital resource locations can be used to plan and improve hospital service delivery.