New way of handling 999 call-outs saves more lives
A CALL-HANDLING model introduced by the Scottish Ambulance Service more than two years ago to enhance its response to patients with life-threatening conditions has improved survival rates, according to new research.
The University of Stirling study found that the New Clinical Response Model (NCRM) for 999 calls, which was introduced in November 2016, improved 30-day survival in patients with immediate life threatening (ILT) conditions.
Comparing January data from 2016, 2017 and 2018, the team found that survival increased by 20 per cent in January 2017 compared with the previous year, and 10% in January 2018 compared with January 2016.
In January 2016, before the new model was introduced, two in 10 patients with ILT conditions were likely to survive. Under the new model, that increased to four in 10 in January 2017 and was three in 10 in January 2018.
The scientists said the new model improved accuracy in identifying those with ILT conditions and resulted in stable response times for those in that category.
However, the prioritisation of the most critical patients has led to longer response times for those in less serious conditions, they added.
Professor Jayne Donaldson, dean of the faculty of health sciences and sport at Stirling, led the research, which also involved Glasgow Caledonian University.
Ms Donaldson said: “Our study analysed data from January 2016, before the NCRM was introduced, and the same period in 2017 and 2018, after it was implemented.
“We found that the new model can accurately identify patients who have the greatest need for ambulance services. While the identification and triage of patients takes time for the call handler and dispatching system, the NCRM can get an ambulance crew to patients who need them most.
“Ultimately, this approach has improved the survival of those with immediate life threatening conditions.”
The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), which funded the research, responds to around 1.8 million calls per year, including 700,000 emergency and unscheduled incidents. Of these responses, more than 500,000 are received via 999 calls.
Prior to the introduction of NCRM, the SAS used a model focused on a response time of eight minutes for all incidents, regardless of clinical need.