Learning Event Support: NAEMSP/MCW EMS Quality Improvement Course

Project Summary:

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies such as fire departments and private ambulance companies are required through state administrative rules to develop quality improvement (QI) programs which address clinical care provided in the pre-hospital setting. Despite this, initial EMS training programs do not teach basic concepts in quality improvement, let alone provide a skill base for leading such initiatives. Most EMS QI systems are thus focused on individual case reviews and do not address system issues driving poor outcomes.

The National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) is a national leader with years of experience in EMS QI training. One of their course offerings is an 8-hour regional course which seeks to teach EMS core concepts in the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model for Improvement. While the IHI offers online training, the NAEMSP course is unique in that it is designed to be highly interactive with content focused on case-based learning and knowledge application using real life examples from EMS. Learning objectives include:

1. Analyze current environments to identify quality/safety problems
2. Develop measurement tools
3. Create and implement strategies for change of practice

Each year, graduates of NAEMSP QI courses present nationally on the success of their improvement work done after completing one of these courses, proving how the curricula can have a direct impact on reshaping EMS QI programs and thus patient outcomes. We hope to replicate these results by supporting 3 national course faculty to deliver this high-impact content for EMS leaders in Wisconsin. This course is the first step in a broader strategy to improve EMS QI regionally and throughout Wisconsin. By providing baseline knowledge and a common language for improvement science, we will have a strong foundation to build high impact QI systems that serve the over 1 million individuals living in Milwaukee and surrounding counties. This event will be attended by current and upcoming leaders in EMS agencies throughout Wisconsin with a particular emphasis on those in southeast Wisconsin given proximity to the in-person event.