EMS Setup - Creating Custom Boolean Questions for ePCR

EMS Setup - Creating Custom Boolean Questions for ePCR

Creating Custom Boolean Questions in ePCR Setup

Purpose Statement

To demonstrate how to create custom Boolean questions within the EMS Setup in First Due. Boolean questions appear as toggle switches (yes/no or true/false) inside the ePCR, allowing agencies to customize their forms with organization-specific data collection requirements beyond standard NEMSIS fields.

Background Information

Custom Boolean questions provide agencies with the flexibility to enhance their ePCR forms with specific yes/no data collection requirements that support their operational needs, compliance standards, and documentation protocols. These questions integrate seamlessly into the ePCR workflow as toggle switches, allowing field personnel to quickly document binary information. Custom Boolean questions can be placed within existing data sets or custom subsections and can be configured for XML export to support external reporting requirements.

Required Permissions

  • Administrator access to EMS Setup module
  • Configuration permissions for Custom Elements
  • Write permissions for Incident Documentation module settings

Video



Step-by-Step Guide


1. Navigate to EMS Setup

Access the EMS Setup located in the Incident Documentation module from your First Due administrative interface.




2. Access Custom Elements Section

Select the Custom Elements section to begin creating your custom Boolean question.





3. Add New Custom Question

Select the Add button within the Custom Questions subsection to create a new custom element.





4. Identify Required Fields

When adding Custom Elements, required fields will be identified by the (*) symbol. Ensure all required fields are completed before saving.




5. Enter Custom Element ID

Input a Custom Element ID in the designated field:

  • This serves as the unique identifier for the new question
  • The ID may originate from a NEMSIS State Data Set (e.g., "emsa.E1") or be defined by your agency
  • Use descriptive, consistent naming conventions




6. Define Question Title

Within the Title field, enter the text that will become visible to providers filling out an ePCR. This should be clear, concise, and clinically relevant.



7. Select Boolean Data Type

From the Data Type dropdown, select Boolean.

Note: When selecting Boolean, the Recurrence defaults to "No" and becomes non-selectable.




8. Configure XML Export Settings

Choose whether to include this custom element within the XML Export by using the dropdown and selecting Yes or No based on your reporting requirements.




9. Set Not Values

Configure Not values using the dropdown and selecting all options that will apply for this custom question. These define what constitutes a negative response.




10. Configure Pertinent Negatives

Set any Pertinent Negatives from the dropdown that should apply to the question being asked. These support clinical documentation standards.




11. Insert Question Definition

Enter the definition of this question in the provided field. This is used for internal tracking and reference purposes.




12. Configure Question Placement

From the Path section, choose how to position this question:

  • Select Data Set: Place within a Data Set from ePCR
  • DEMDataSet: Compares against state-specific Demographics set
  • EMSDataSet: Compares against the national NEMSIS standard
  • Select After Field: Position within the data sets




13. Place in Custom Subsection (Optional)

When Add to Custom Subsection is selected, use the dropdown to place this question in any of your agency's Custom Subsections.

Reference: See article "ePCR Sections" for instructions on creating custom subsections.




14. Configure Default Values

Set default values based on your requirements:

  • Overall default value: Set a standard yes/no response
  • Default values for Pertinent Negatives and Not Values: Configure specific negative response defaults

Important: If Default Value is set to "Yes", you will not be able to set Pertinent Negatives or Not Values. To set Default Pertinent Negatives or Not Values, choices must be selected from steps 9 and 10.



15. Save Custom Question

To save and create your new custom question, select Add. Review all configurations before finalizing.



Best Practices

Question Design Standards:

  • Use clear, unambiguous language for question titles
  • Ensure questions serve a specific clinical or operational purpose
  • Follow consistent naming conventions for Element IDs
  • Consider how questions will appear on mobile devices

Configuration Guidelines:

  • Test questions in a development environment before production deployment
  • Document the purpose and expected responses for each custom question
  • Coordinate with field personnel to ensure questions meet operational needs
  • Review XML export settings based on reporting requirements

Data Management:

  • Use descriptive Element IDs that reflect the question's purpose
  • Configure appropriate Pertinent Negatives to support clinical documentation
  • Set logical default values that reduce documentation burden
  • Consider integration with existing NEMSIS data elements

Quality Assurance:

  • Validate question placement within the ePCR workflow
  • Test toggle functionality across different devices and browsers
  • Ensure custom questions don't interfere with required NEMSIS fields
  • Review questions periodically for relevance and accuracy

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Common Issues:

Q: Boolean question is not appearing in the ePCR A: Verify the question is properly saved and check the Path configuration. Ensure it's assigned to the correct Data Set or Custom Subsection.

Q: Cannot set Pertinent Negatives or Not Values A: Check if the Default Value is set to "Yes". When Default Value is "Yes", Pertinent Negatives and Not Values cannot be configured.

Q: XML Export is not including the custom Boolean question A: Confirm the XML Export setting is set to "Yes" in the question configuration. Review export templates if the question still doesn't appear.

Q: Question appears in wrong location within ePCR A: Review the After Field setting or Custom Subsection placement. Modify the Path configuration to position the question correctly.

Q: Toggle switch is not functioning properly A: Verify the Data Type is correctly set to "Boolean". Check for any conflicts with existing form elements or validation rules.

Q: Element ID conflicts with existing questions A: Use unique, descriptive Element IDs. Check existing custom elements to avoid duplicates. Follow agency naming conventions consistently.


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