Emergency medical response systems are a critical component to providing timely and quality acute care in the U.S. Kay Center researchers have focused numerous studies on the use of information technology across the end-to-end emergency continuum of care from emergency health onset, notification (9-1-1 call), response (Fire, Ambulance), and definitive care (Hospital) to enhance the timeliness and quality of emergency health services. Research is being conducted in a variety of areas surrounding systems that could help improve emergency medical response. Some of this research includes the following initiatives:
- 3-year National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to investigate information exchange and integration improvements across emergency care providers (hospitals, trauma centers, ambulance companies, fire departments, etc.).
- Case study of end-to-end process and information flow in San Mateo County, CA.
- Case study of end-to-end trauma service provision and information use across the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN emergency response system.
- Assessment of end-user perspectives on the design, implementation, and use of an information system to detect and reduce response times to motor vehicle crash emergencies (Minnesota Mayday System).
- Development of a high-performance architecture to guide EMS system strategic design and operation.
- Organizational, technological, and policy analysis to guide County wide Ambulance provider procurement process for the next 10 years of service (San Mateo County, CA).
- End-to-end assessment of Santa Clara County EMS system, including information and technology needs across all fire departments, air and ground ambulance providers, and hospitals.
- Department of Transportation (DOT), through University of Minnesota, grant funding to design and develop prototype software system for more timely and accurate push of patient data from paramedics in the field to emergency department practitioners.