Title
Amendment to an Agreement with FirstWatch for quality surveillance software.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the amendment and authorize the Chairman to sign.
The Quality Manager position in the Office of the Medical Director was eliminated as a part of the spring Budget process. The decision was made to RIF the position effective May 5, 2012. Management discussions at that time recognized the importance of maintaining some quality assurance component for the patient care provided through the EMS system. This amendment provides for ability to provide some electronic quality oversight of the system by enhancement of the existing FirstWatch electronic surveillance system which is used by the Health Department and EMS currently for various applications.
Alternatives: Deny request, which results in loss of any ability to monitor quality performance measures at the system level, or measure system and patient care outcomes based on changes in practice.
Financial Considerations: Total cost associated with the enhancement is $39,720. Budget funds are available for this in cost center 10002-110 due to the RIF of the Quality Manager position in May rather than allowing it to continue through December. Ratification of this agreement provides the initial investment to create some high-level quality oversight of the system by leveraging existing data linkages through FirstWatch, since it is unlikely that there will be budget funding to reinstate the Quality Manager position for several years. Funding for maintenance of the program is budgeted for future years.
Legal Considerations: Amendment to existing contract has been reviewed by County Counselor’s office.
Policy Considerations: The City-County agreement provided for creation of the EMS System in 2003. Ability to implement changes in clinical care and monitor how these affect patient outcomes is a vital component of maintaining a quality EMS patient care system. With the de-funding of the Quality Manager position, it is critical that some capacity for monitoring quality of care be present.