An epcr Buyer s Guide 6 SECRETS OF SMART EPCR BUYERS
Secret 01 Choose an epcr that offers two-way data exchange with hospitals. Exchanging data between EMS and Hospitals is a win/win. EMS wins by receiving patient outcome data. Knowing what happens to the patient after transporting them to the hospital allows EMS to run robust QA/QI programs based on actual patient outcomes. Hospitals win by gaining access to the raw EMS data they need to report to registries (trauma, STEMI, stroke, etc.), trend patient populations, and develop metrics.. Knowing your patients outcomes will change how you care for them.
Secret 02 Look for built-in reporting that helps you tell a story with your data. Data collected and reported within numerous separate reports doesn t tell the whole story. You need a partner that can help you gather all of your data and seamlessly weave it into an easy to understand story of your agency s performance. That way you can measure your own performance as well as benchmark yourself against others in your state or across the nation. It isn t the data by itself that is important. It s what you can learn from it. Because better data means better care.
Secret 03 Go with a provider that can grow with you. Many epcr providers lock you in to a version of software, making you pay for the upgrades needed to keep up with your agency s developing needs. Look for a software as a service (SaaS) provider that updates its software regularly so your epcr solution is always ahead of the curve. And the upgrades shouldn t cost you a dime. Check the providers past release notes and see how hard they work to meet their clients evolving needs.
Secret 04 Seek a partner that understands the future of healthcare. Healthcare is changing how EMS operates. It s important to align yourself with a software provider that understands what the changes today and in the future mean for your agency. By partnering with an industry thought leader, you ensure your epcr purchase will take you through the upcoming and potentially tumultuous years. Choose wisely and you can future-proof your software purchase. Pick an epcr provider that s 3 steps ahead of the healthcare changes.
Secret 05 Look beyond price and understand the total cost of ownership. Beware of hidden costs. The fine print in many epcr contracts contain numerous expenses that will add up significantly over time. By looking beyond the initial price quote, you can assess what it will cost to own and operate the software solution over the years. Find a provider that offers many of these gotcha items at no charge: Unlimited users Software upgrades Unlimited faxing Built in QA/QI reporting Ongoing training Live support
Secret 06 Find an epcr built for ease of use and a medic s workflow. When evaluating an epcr, determine how easy it is for a medic to use in the field. Field software shouldn t slow down a medic. It should work seamlessly and follow his or her workflow. The software shouldn t dictate how the call is run. Look for software that has the flexibility your medics need in their ever-changing environment. Happy medics are productive medics.
The checklist Ask these questions to potential epcr providers and ensure a smart purchase. 1 Do you offer a two-way data exchange with hospitals, providing patient outcomes? Does your reporting help me tell a story with my data? Can you help me benchmark my performance with other agencies? Can you grow along with me and my changing needs? Do you have a strategy to ensure my epcr will keep up with changing healthcare laws and practices? Are you disclosing all of your fees up front? (Look for hidden fees such as seat licenses, faxing costs, ongoing training, software upgrades, upgrading your reporting package, and live support.) Is the user interface easy for my medics to use? Can my medics dictate the flow of the call or does your software force them down a path? Does your software allow medics to change things on the fly?
About ESO Solutions ESO Solutions, Inc., founded in 2004 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, employs industry leaders in EMS, software design and information technology to create software solutions for the healthcare industry. ESO Solutions products help healthcare providers and administrators save time, improve documentation quality and operational efficiencies, and enhance the continuum of patient care. For more information about ESO Solutions, visit esosolutions.com