Evaluating the Content and Quality of Emergency Medical Services Oral Patient Handoff Reports

Background: Annually millions of patients are brought to Emergency Departments (ED) across the US by air and ground ambulance. There exists no universal criterion for the patient data to be presented from Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to ED personnel. Prior studies show gaps in patient data during handoffs. Objectives: This study seeks to ascertain what patient data is orally reported by EMS to ED personnel. Methods: This was a prospective observational study using a convenience sample of EMS to ED transfer events documented by trained observers. Oral handoffs were evaluated for the presence of selected patient data metrics, interruptions, and whether additional data was obtained through follow-up questions. Results: In total, 102 handoffs from EMS to ED personnel were observed; 76 handoffs were medical and 26 handoffs were traumas. Chief complaints and history of present illness (HPI) were reported most frequently (94% and 84% respectively). Vital signs were presented initially during 44% of cases. Following the initial patient presentation, vital signs were the most requested data on follow-up questioning by receiving medical personnel (15% of cases). Trauma patients had their physical exam, assessment, and interventions reported more frequently than medical patients but vital signs were reported slightly less so. Conclusions: