Little Rock, Arkansas Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) has become a trailblazer in the State of Arkansas by becoming the first Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider to integrate their Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system with the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange (SHARE) Health Information Exchange (HIE). This pioneering move involves the integration of MEMS’s ESO EHR system with SHARE HIE, marking a significant advancement in healthcare interoperability and setting a benchmark for other EMS providers in the state.

Pioneering Integration

MEMS’s decision to integrate their ESO EHR with SHARE HIE demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to improving patient care and streamlining communication across various healthcare providers. This integration ensures that critical patient information collected by MEMS during emergency responses is seamlessly and securely shared with hospitals, clinics, primary care providers (PCPs), behavioral health (BH) providers, and other members of the patient care team in real-time.

Enhancing Continuity of Care

The integration of MEMS’s ESO Electronic Health Record (EHR) with SHARE HIE brings numerous benefits, including:

1. Improved Patient Outcomes: By providing healthcare providers with immediate access to up-to-date emergency medical data, clinicians can make more informed decisions, leading to better patient outcomes. For instance, having access to vital information such as medications administered, vital signs, and patient history during an EMS transport can be crucial during the initial treatment phases in the emergency department (ED).
2. Streamlined Workflows: The seamless exchange of data reduces the need for redundant data entry and minimizes the risk of errors. This integration allows for a more efficient workflow as healthcare providers can quickly access and review the EMS reports within their own EHR systems.
3. Enhanced Communication: The real-time sharing of information ensures that all members of the patient care team are on the same page, facilitating better coordination and communication among EMS, ED, and other healthcare providers. This is particularly beneficial in critical and time-sensitive situations.

A Model for Others

The successful integration of MEMS’s ESO EHR with SHARE HIE sets a precedent for other EMS providers in Arkansas and beyond. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of interoperability, MEMS serves as a model for other EMS organizations aiming to enhance their service delivery and patient care using advanced health information technology.

“Integrating our ESO EHR with SHARE HIE represents a significant milestone for MEMS and the broader healthcare community in Arkansas. This integration ensures that our emergency medical services are seamlessly connected with hospitals and other healthcare providers, enabling us to deliver the highest quality of care to our patients. We are proud to lead the way in this important initiative and are confident that it will serve as a model for others to enhance interoperability and patient outcomes across the state.”– Greg Thompson, Executive Director of Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS)

A Unified Vision for Better Healthcare

The collaboration between MEMS and SHARE HIE underscores the commitment to a unified vision for better healthcare in Arkansas. By breaking down data silos and fostering a more connected healthcare ecosystem, this integration paves the way for a future where comprehensive patient information is readily accessible, leading to more coordinated and effective care.

Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services’ integration with SHARE HIE is a landmark achievement in the quest for improved healthcare interoperability in Arkansas. This forward-thinking initiative not only enhances the quality and efficiency of emergency medical care but also serves as an inspiration for other EMS providers to follow suit. As MEMS continues to lead the way, the benefits of this integration will undoubtedly ripple across the entire healthcare continuum, ultimately resulting in better health outcomes for patients statewide.

About Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS):  MEMS is a public, non-profit entity, and is governed by the Little Rock Ambulance Authority (LRAA). Serving Pulaski and Grant Counties, the cities of Maumelle, Sherwood & Cabot. MEMS covers approximately 1,800 square miles and over 400,000 people.
Since 2001, MEMS has been accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) which signifies a “Gold Standard” in emergency medical service providers. Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services is committed to providing high-quality on-scene, pre-hospital, and transport care to the residents and visitors in the MEMS service area, all while improving the quality of life in our communities.