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Upgrading Colorado's EMS Data Collection System
Staff in the EMS and Trauma Data Program continue to make progress in
implementing the new statewide EMS data collection system. Over the past
several months, staff have worked with ImageTrend, the state-selected
vendor, to convert to the new system. Steps include customization of the
ImageTrend software (on-line and laptop versions), migration of the
current database to the state data repository on the ImageTrend servers
and training of EMS agency personnel and field providers who choose to
use the new software.
Included in the contract with ImageTrend was the purchase of a state
license for the ImageTrend Field Bridge software. Field Bridge is the
laptop version of the online ImageTrend patient care data collection
software. The purchase of the state license allows the Emergency Medical
and Trauma Services Section to offer agencies Field Bridge licenses if
they want to use the ImageTrend product. Agencies that are already using
other vendor products do not need to change, unless they choose to do
so. With the new system, agencies using other third party vendor
software still will be able to download to the state database, as long
as their software can create the standard NEMSIS export (similar to how
the download process currently is being done).
In June 2011, 30 agencies participated in a pilot program to learn how
to use the ImageTrend software. Many of these agencies began downloading
data through the new system starting in July 2011. During the pilot
phase, EMS and Trauma Data Program staff worked with agencies to
customize the software to best meet Colorado’s needs. With completion of
the pilot phase, we now are ready to move forward with full
implementation, bringing additional agencies on-board.
Agencies are invited to begin conversion to the ImageTrend State Bridge
and Field Bridge system. A series of training webinars started in
October. Agencies that want to use the ImageTrend product are encouraged
to participate in the webinars to learn about system administration,
data entry and reporting capabilities of the software. In addition to
the webinars, an in-person training might be held in central or western
Colorado (details are being finalized).
In December, EMTS Data Program staff began working with agencies that
use other third party vendor software to begin uploading their
submission files to the state database at ImageTrend rather than at the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Staff will work
with agencies, their software vendors and ImageTrend to resolve any
issues in this conversion process.
It is anticipated full conversion to ImageTrend will be completed by
March 2012, at which time the current online and desktop versions of the
MATRIX software no longer will be supported. Agencies are encouraged to
plan appropriately. If your agency is interested in using the ImageTrend
Field Bridge software, please contact Steve Boylls at 303-692-2994 or
steve.boylls@state.co.us. Steve will be able to assist you in obtaining
the software license and initial set-up of the software.
The upgrade of Colorado’s EMS data collection system provides a unique
opportunity to increase our capacity for using patient care data for
clinical decision-making. For questions about the upgrade of the EMS
data collection system and project timelines, please contact Holly
Hedegaard.
Holly Hedegaard, MD, MSPH,is the EMS and Trauma Data Program manager and
can be reached at
holly.hedegaard@state.co.us.
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Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
HFEMS-A2
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
Phone: (303) 692-2980
Fax: (303) 691-7720
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