Purpose Statement
The ePCR Form Builder in First Due allows administrators to create, modify, and customize electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) forms to meet their agency's specific documentation needs.
Using the Form Builder, agencies can organize sections, add custom content, adjust layouts, and remove unnecessary information to streamline patient care documentation and improve reporting efficiency.
Background Information
The ePCR Form Builder provides agencies with the flexibility to customize their patient care reporting forms based on operational requirements and documentation preferences.
Unlike other form builders within First Due, the ePCR Form Builder includes a preconfigured structure containing patient information and EMS call documentation sections. Administrators can modify this existing structure rather than building every component individually.
Common customization examples include:
- Adding custom subsections for trauma assessments or specialized patient evaluations.
- Reorganizing information to prioritize frequently used documentation fields.
- Adjusting form content to align with agency protocols.
- Removing unnecessary sections to simplify documentation.
- Duplicating existing forms to create new versions without rebuilding them.
- Configuring a default ePCR form for agency use.
Required Permissions
Access to the ePCR Form Builder is intended for administrators or users authorized to manage ePCR form configurations.
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Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Access the ePCR Form List
- Navigate to the ePCR module within First Due.
- Open the ePCR Form List to view existing forms.
- From this page, you can search for forms, duplicate existing forms, delete selected forms, or create new forms.
Step 2: Search for an Existing Form
- Locate the Fuzzy Search field within the ePCR Form List.
- Enter the name or relevant text associated with the form you want to locate.
- Select Apply to display matching results.
- To clear your search criteria, select Reset.
Step 3: Duplicate an Existing Form
Duplicating a form is recommended when you only need to make minor changes to an existing configuration.
- Locate the form you want to duplicate within the ePCR Form List.
- Select the Duplicate button associated with that form.
- A copy of the selected form will be created in the list.
- Open the duplicated form to begin editing.
- Update the form name to reflect its intended purpose.
- Make any additional changes to the form as needed.
- Select Save to retain your changes.
- Return to the ePCR Form List to verify that the renamed form appears.
Step 4: Create a New ePCR Form
- From the ePCR Form List, select Create Form.
- The ePCR Form Builder will open with a preconfigured form structure.
- Review the existing patient information and EMS call documentation sections.
- Determine which sections should be retained, removed, or customized based on your agency's requirements.
- Begin modifying the form using the available editing tools.
Although you are creating a new form, the ePCR Form Builder includes preconfigured content that can be customized rather than requiring every section to be created manually.
Step 5: Set a Default ePCR Form
- While editing a form, locate the Default ePCR Form toggle.
- Enable the toggle if you want to designate the current form as your agency's default.
- If another default form already exists, a warning message will appear indicating that the existing default will be replaced.
- Review the warning before confirming the change.
Changing the default ePCR form replaces the previously designated default. Verify that the new form is configured correctly before making this change.
Step 6: Remove Unnecessary Sections
- Within the Form Builder, locate the section you want to remove.
- Select the X associated with that section.
- The selected section will be removed from the form layout.
- Repeat this process for any additional sections that are not needed.
Best Practice: Review your agency's required patient care documentation before removing sections to avoid eliminating necessary information.
Step 7: Add New Content to the Form
- Navigate to the location within the form where you want to insert additional content.
- Select the Plus (+) button.
Select Add to display the available content options.
- Choose the content type you want to insert. Available options demonstrated include:
- Text: Add written information or instructions.
- Raw HTML: Insert custom HTML content.
- Image: Add an image to the form.
- Header: Create a heading to organize information.
- Select the desired option to add it to the form.
- Continue adding content as needed to support your agency's documentation requirements.
Step 8: Customize Content Appearance and Positioning
After adding content to the form, additional editing controls are available to customize its appearance and placement.
- Select the content element you want to modify.
- Locate the editing controls displayed to the right of the selected element.
- Use the available customization options to adjust the element.
- Depending on the selected element, you can:
- Add a border around the content.
- Include a title.
- Align the content to the left, center, or right.
- Move the content toward the top or bottom of the layout.
- Review the changes to confirm the content appears in the desired location.
Step 9: Convert Content to a Different Format
- Select the content element you want to modify.
- Locate and select the Convert option.
- Review the available content formats.
- Select the desired format, such as:
- Text
- List
- Quote
- Continue adjusting the content as needed.
Note: The available conversion options may vary depending on the selected content element.
Step 10: Save the ePCR Form
- Once all changes have been completed, navigate to the top of the Form Builder.
- Select Save.
- Return to the ePCR Form List.
Locate the form and verify that the changes have been saved.
Best Practices
- Duplicate before modifying: When making minor changes to an existing form, create a duplicate to preserve the original configuration.
- Use descriptive form names: Name forms according to their purpose or intended workflow so they are easier to identify.
- Review agency requirements: Ensure the form supports applicable documentation standards, agency protocols, and operational needs.
- Remove unnecessary content carefully: Simplify forms by eliminating unused sections without removing information required for patient care reporting.
- Organize information logically: Position frequently used information where it is easy for personnel to locate during documentation.
- Use headers for organization: Group related content under descriptive headings to improve readability.
- Verify default form settings: Confirm that the correct form is designated as the default before replacing an existing configuration.
- Review changes before saving: Verify that newly added content, formatting, and section placement meet your agency's expectations.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
How do I find a specific ePCR form?
Use the Fuzzy Search field within the ePCR Form List. Enter relevant search text and select Apply. Select Reset to clear the search criteria.
Can I copy an existing ePCR form instead of creating a new one?
Yes. Locate the existing form and select Duplicate. You can then open the copy, rename it, and make any necessary modifications.
What happens if I set a new form as the default?
If another default ePCR form already exists, First Due displays a warning indicating that the current default will be replaced. Review the warning before confirming the change.
Do I need to build every section when creating a new ePCR form?
No. The ePCR Form Builder includes a preconfigured structure containing patient information and EMS call documentation sections. You can customize this structure by removing or adding content.
How do I remove a section from my form?
Locate the section within the Form Builder and select the associated X to remove it from the layout.
Can I add custom content to an ePCR form?
Yes. Select the Plus (+) button and choose Add. Available content options include text, raw HTML, images, and headers.
Can I change how content appears on the form?
Yes. The Form Builder includes customization controls for adding borders, including titles, adjusting alignment, and changing content placement.
Can I change an existing content element to another format?
Yes. Select the element and use Convert to choose another available format, such as text, list, or quote.
How do I save changes to my ePCR form?
After completing your modifications, navigate to the top of the Form Builder and select Save.