Index
Abstract
Dedication
Preface
Definition of EMS for this Document
Federal Agencies Can Help Advance EMS Research
Executive Summary
Introduction

• EMS Impact
• Is EMS Cost-effective?
• Need for Outcome Measurement
• Organized Research Effort Needed

History of EMS Research
The Present State of EMS Research
Overcoming the Barriers to EMS Research
Summary
Appendix A: The National EMS Research Agenda Writing Team
Appendix B: Organizations Invited to Participate in the National Review Team
Appendix C: Ethical Standards and IRB Requirements
Appendix D Inclusion Of Women And Minorities In Research Study Populations Involving Human Subjects
Inclusion Of Children As Participants In Research Involving Human Subjects
Appendix E: Bibliographic List of Internet Links
Appendix F: Published EMS Randomized Clinical Trials
References

Organized Research Effort Needed

A well-organized EMS research effort is clearly needed to dramatically increase the evidence upon which prehospital patient care is based. “Public and private organizations responsible for EMS structures, processes and/or outcomes must collaborate to establish a national EMS research agenda. They should determine general research goals and assist with development of research funding sources.”¹

The authors of this document discussed the utility of creating a list of specific research topics that would be of value in EMS. However, there are compelling arguments against creating such a list. Individual investigators or research teams rather than committees usually generate the best new ideas. In addition, because of the rapid pace of change in the medical sciences, lists are usually out of date by the time they are published. The writing team agreed that valuable research topics would certainly include the following:

·         Ensuring proper and effective patient care.

·         Improving the quality of EMS care and systems.

·         Improving patient safety by reducing errors.

·         Analysis of the cost-effectiveness of systems and interventions.

·         Measuring the direct, indirect, and marginal costs of emergency medical services.

·         Providing information about the clinical aspects of emergency care, systems configuration and operation.

·         Encouraging effective injury prevention strategies and other public health measures.

·         Expanding the appropriate use of medical informatics in EMS.

·         Developing valid tools and methods for measuring the quality of EMS care and systems.

·         Learning effective ways to provide professional education, training, and retraining that will maximize skill acquisition and retention and improve practice patterns and patient outcomes.

·         Determining effective methods of public education that effect positive behavioral changes in the areas of injury prevention, basic emergency care skills, and the use of EMS systems.

EMS systems must justify their role in the health care process. They must prove that the care and transportation they provide is necessary and delivered in an effective and economical manner. These mandates can only be achieved by true integration of the research process into the system. Research will lead to the development of more effective treatments, strategies for resource management that benefit the EMS system, and ultimately to improved patient care.