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EMS Setup - Custom Integer/Number Questions for ePCR

Purpose Statement

This article provides step-by-step instructions for creating custom Integer/Number questions in EMS reports, enabling agencies to capture specific numeric data points that support their reporting requirements and comply with state or local data collection standards.

Background Information

Custom Integer/Number questions allow EMS agencies to collect numeric data beyond the standard NEMSIS elements. These questions can capture agency-specific metrics, state-required data points, or specialized clinical information. The numeric format ensures data consistency and enables mathematical analysis for quality improvement and reporting purposes. Custom questions integrate seamlessly into the EMS documentation workflow and can be configured for various usage levels from optional to mandatory.

Required Permissions

  1. EMS Setup access
  2. Custom Elements configuration permissions
  3. Incident Documentation module access
     

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Step-by-Step Guide
 

1. Navigate to the EMS Setup located in the Incident Documentation module.
 
2. Select on the Custom Elements section.
 
Select on the Custom Elements section.
3. Select the Add button within the Custom Questions subsection.
 
Select the Add button within the Custom Questions subsection.
4. When adding Custom Elements required fields will be identified by the (*) symbol.
 
5. Enter a Custom Element ID.
 
  • This is the unique identifier to accompany the new question. This ID may come from a NEMSIS State Data Set (e.g. "emsa.E1") or be defined by an agency.
 
Enter a Custom Element ID.
6. Within the Title, the text entered here is what becomes visible to a provider filling out an ePCR.
 
Within the Title, the text entered here is what becomes visible to a provider filling out an ePCR.
7. From the Data Type dropdown select Integer/Number.
  • Answers to this custom question will be a numeric value.
     
8. Recurrence will allow you to answer the custom question multiple times within the ePCR if set to yes.
 
Recurrence will allow you answer the custom question multiple times within the ePCR if set to yes.
9. You can choose to include this custom element within the XML Export by using the dropdown and selecting Yes or No.
 
You can choose to include this custom element within the XML Export by using the dropdown and selecting Yes or No.
10. From the Usage dropdown you are able to set if the custom question should be mandatory, required, recommended or optional for the provider when documenting an ePCR.
  • If Required or Recommended is selected you will be able to set Not values to choose within the ePCR.
From the Usage dropdown you are able to set if the custom question should be mandatory, required, recommended or optional for the provider when documenting an ePCR.
11. You are able to set Not values using the dropdown and selecting on all that will apply for this custom question.
 
You are able to set Not values using the dropdown and selecting on all that will apply for this custom question.
12. Set any Pertinent Negatives from the dropdown that should apply to the question being asked.
 
Set any Pertinent Negatives from the dropdown that should apply to the question being asked.
13. Insert the definition of this question.
  • This is used for internal tracking
     
Insert the definition of this question.
14. From the Path section you are able to add this question to a Custom Subsection or select a Data Set and After Field.
 
From the Path section you are able to add this question to a Custom Subsection or select a Data Set and After Field.
15. When the Add to Custom Subsection is selected now you can place this question in any of your agencies Custom Subsections using the dropdown.
 
When the Add to Custom Subsection is selected now you can place this question in any of your agencies Custom Subsections using the dropdown.
16. If choosing to add the custom question to a Data Set use the dropdown to select which Data set.
  • Data Set:
    • DEMDataSet - will compare against a state specific Demographics set.
    • EMSDatatSet - will compare against the national NEMSIS standard.
       

 
17. Once the Data Set is selected you will need to set the After Field by using the dropdown.
  • This is where the custom question will appear within the ePCR.
     

 
18. From the values you are able to set a minimum and maximum value of characters allowed along with how many decimal places allowed and/or set a default value.
  1. If Not Values and Pertinent Negatives were selected, then you are able to set Default values to those areas.
  2. Default Not values can only be set if Usage is set to Required or Recommend.
     
19. To save and create your new custom question select Add.
 
To save and create your new custom question select Add.

Best Practices

Question Design:
  1. Use clear, specific titles that providers will easily understand
  2. Choose meaningful Custom Element IDs that align with state data sets when applicable
  3. Set appropriate minimum/maximum values to prevent data entry errors
Usage Level Selection:
  1. Start with "Optional" for new questions to allow gradual adoption
  2. Use "Required" only for truly essential data points
  3. Consider "Recommended" for important but not critical information
Placement Strategy:
  1. Group related questions in Custom Subsections for better workflow
  2. Place questions logically within existing data sets using After Field positioning
  3. Consider provider workflow when determining question placement

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: My custom question isn't appearing in the EMS documentation interface
A: Verify the question was saved successfully and check the placement configuration. Ensure the selected subsection or data set location is active.
 
Q: Can I modify a custom question after creation?
A: Yes, return to EMS Setup Custom Elements Custom Questions and edit the existing question. Changes will apply to new reports.
 
Q: What's the difference between Required and Recommended usage levels?
A: Required questions must be completed or have a "Not" value selected. Recommended questions prompt completion but can be skipped.
 
Q: How do decimal places work with Integer/Number questions?
A: Set the decimal places parameter to control precision. Use 0 for whole numbers only or specify decimal places for fractional values.
 
Q: Can I use the same Custom Element ID for multiple questions?
A: No, Custom Element IDs must be unique within your system to prevent conflicts and ensure proper data tracking.