Benefits and limitations when applying technology to the Integration of prehospital care: a systematic review

Rev Med Chil. 2023 Oct;151(10):1385-1398. doi: 10.4067/s0034-98872023001001385.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To identify the main benefits and limitations of applying technology in integrating prehospital care into the health network.

METHODOLOGY: Systematic review based on the PRISMA statement, carried out between July and October 2020, databases used: Pubmed, BVSalud, Cinahl, Scielo, and Scopus with MeSH search engines: ["Emergency medical service"], ["prehospital, ["Technology"], ["System integration"], ["Intersectorial collaboration"], ["Telemedicine"], ["Emergencies technology"], ["Medical informatics"], and boolean operators AND, OR. Between 2010 and 2020, in English and Spanish. Theses, conference abstracts and editorials were excluded. Out of 4719 articles, 16 were selected according to the methodological quality Mixed Methods Appraisal Toll.

RESULTS: The Infoway Benefits Evaluation Framewor Model was used for the analysis.

BENEFITS: Optimization of information between hospital centers and rescue teams, real-time access to patient records, early preparation of receiving hospitals. Consolidation of system productivity, minimization of waiting times, referrals, and patient transfers; Limitations: Problems with internet access and quality, unreliable technology providers, slow response, or difficulties with funding and privacy of the system, which generates frustration in the teams.

CONCLUSIONS: The application of technology in integrating prehospital care into the health network generates benefits and should consider the use of information systems and user satisfaction to achieve integration with health systems, considering the limitations of the context.

PMID:39093142 | DOI:10.4067/s0034-98872023001001385