EMS Setup - Creating Custom Integer/Number Questions for ePCR
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how to create custom Integer/Number Questions for EMS reports. This feature enables agencies to collect precise numeric data for clinical documentation, state reporting requirements, and operational analytics while maintaining NEMSIS compliance standards.
Background Information
Custom Integer/Number questions provide agencies with the ability to capture specific numeric data points that may not be included in standard ePCR forms. These questions are particularly valuable for collecting vital signs, medication dosages, response times, and other measurable data required for clinical care documentation, quality improvement initiatives, and state reporting compliance. The feature integrates seamlessly with existing NEMSIS data standards and supports both agency-specific requirements and standardized datasets.
Required Permissions
To create custom Integer/Number questions, users must have:
- EMS Setup access permissions
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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.
3. 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.
6. 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 to 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.
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.
NOTE: If Required or Recommended is selected you will be able to set Not values to choose within the ePCR.
11. 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.
13. Insert the definition of this question.
This is used for internal tracking.
14. 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.
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.
- If Not Values and Pertinent Negatives were selected, then you are able to set Default values to those areas.
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.
Best Practices
- Use clear, specific question titles that providers can understand immediately in field conditions
- Set appropriate minimum and maximum value ranges based on clinical standards and realistic data parameters
- Consider enabling recurrence for questions that may require multiple entries (e.g., serial vital signs, multiple medication doses)
- Align custom questions with agency protocols and state reporting requirements before implementation
- Test question placement and functionality within actual ePCR workflows before full deployment
- Include relevant Not values to maintain NEMSIS compliance and data quality standards
- Use consistent naming conventions for Custom Element IDs across your agency's custom questions
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: Why can't I see the Not values option?
A: Not values are only available when Usage is set to Required or Recommended. Change the Usage setting to access this option.
Q: My custom question isn't appearing in the ePCR form. What should I check?
A: Verify the Path configuration settings. Ensure you've selected either a Custom Subsection or properly configured the Data Set and After Field positioning.
Q: Can I modify the validation ranges after creating the question?
A: Yes, you can edit the minimum and maximum values in the Values section after the question has been created.
Q: What's the difference between DEMDataSet and EMSDataSet?
A: DEMDataSet compares against state-specific demographic standards, while EMSDataSet aligns with national NEMSIS clinical documentation requirements.
Q: How do I ensure my custom questions are included in state reporting?
A: Set the XML Export option to "Yes" and ensure your Custom Element ID aligns with your state's NEMSIS data requirements.
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