Using standardized tools to evaluate healthcare innovations: Metrics to measure success of a community paramedicine program

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2018

Abstract

This paper presents a set of metrics to measure the quality of a community paramedicine program, whose primary goal is to reduce frequent non-urgent emergency department use. The program is a proactive approach for improving the health of frequent callers of 911 who visit emergency departments at least 4 times per year by providing preventative, primary care service and connecting them to outpatient healthcare resources within their local communities. Although current literature abounds with studies measuring quality improvement in healthcare, very few have captured patient experience. More so, peer-reviewed literature measuring success of community paramedicine programs using standardized instruments is sparse. The metrics adopted to measure quality of this program is unique and in 3 parts: (1) validated survey to measure patient health outcomes (SF-12v2); (2) Nationally-used standardized survey to assess patient experience (CAHPS-CG); and (3) Comparative analysis of costs avoided due to decline in EMS encounters for pre-, during- and post-program enrollment time periods. In addition, qualitative data using semi-structured interviews from paramedics provides an in-depth view of the success and underlying perceptions about the program. These metrics represent an initial approach to using validated tools to assess the quality of healthcare innovations.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

IISE Annual Conference and Expo 2018

First Page

299

Last Page

304

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