Configuring EMS QA/QI
Purpose Statement
To explain how to set up a process that automatically moves an ePCR onto the Reports to Review list, enabling systematic Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement (QA/QI) review of EMS incidents. This automation helps agencies maintain compliance standards, identify training opportunities, and ensure accurate documentation through workflow-based triggers.
Background Information
The EMS QA/QI feature provides a structured system for reviewing patient care reports based on configurable criteria. Rather than relying on manual sorting, agencies use workflow automation to determine which ePCRs require supervisory review.
At the core of this process is the Request Supervisory Review field. This field is read-only for providers and can only be set by workflows. When a workflow sets this field to Yes, the ePCR is automatically routed to the QA/QI list for assignment and review.
This approach ensures:
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Consistent application of QA/QI standards
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No critical cases are missed
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Reduced administrative overhead
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Reliable tracking of review activity
Required Permissions
The following permissions are required in the ePCR permissions bucket to access the QA/QI feature:
Core QA/QI Permissions:
- List My QA/QI EMS Incidents: Allows the user to view any QA/QI records that are unassigned or assigned to that user
- List All QA/QI EMS Incidents: Allows the user to view all QA/QI records regardless of who is assigned to them
- Assign EMS Reports to QA/QI Reviewers: Allow the user to assign QA/QI reviewers through the QA/QI module
Saved View Management Permissions:
- EMS QA/QI Saved View - Create: Create agency wide saved views
- EMS QA/QI Saved View - Delete: Delete agency wide saved views
- EMS QA/QI Saved View - Read: Use agency wide saved views
- EMS QA/QI Saved View - Update: Update/edit agency wide saved views
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
Setting Up QA/QI Workflows
Important:
For an ePCR to appear in the QA/QI list, a workflow must set the Request Supervisory Review field to Yes. This field cannot be edited manually.
1. Navigate to Workflows
- Navigate to Incident Documentation
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Click EMS Setup
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Select Workflows
2. Locate or Add the Workflow Field
- Search for an existing workflow tied to:
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NEMSIS Field Code: Request Supervisory Review
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- If one does not exist:
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Click Add to create a new workflow
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3. Select Workflow Type
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Choose Default Value as the workflow type
4. Configure Default Value
- Set the Default Value to Yes
5. Define Workflow Conditions
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Create conditions that reflect when an ePCR should be reviewed
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Carefully configure the AND / OR relationships between conditions
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Ensure conditions match real operational or compliance scenarios
6. Save the Workflow
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Click Save
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Test the workflow with sample ePCRs to confirm proper routing to QA/QI
Best Practices
Do’s
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Use workflows to enforce consistent QA/QI routing
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Start with simple conditions and expand as needed
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Test workflows thoroughly before full deployment
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Document the purpose of each QA workflow for future administrators
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Review QA/QI routing logic periodically
Don’ts
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Do not rely on manual review selection by providers
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Avoid overly complex workflows that are difficult to maintain
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Do not create conflicting workflows that target the same field
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Avoid conditions based on optional fields unless intentionally designed
Troubleshooting & FAQs
How can I QA 100% of my agency’s ePCRs?
Use a workflow attached to a field that is completed on every ePCR and requires provider input.
First Due recommended configuration:
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NEMSIS Field Code: Request Supervisory Review
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Workflow Type: Default Value
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Default Value: Yes
- Condition:
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When Disposition & EMS Narrative | EMS Narrative | Unit Disposition
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Condition = NOT EMPTY
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This ensures every completed report is routed to QA/QI.
What are examples of QA workflows to get started?
Common and effective QA triggers include:
- Treatments | Medication | Name
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Route reports when specific medications are administered
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- Treatments | Procedures | Name
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Route reports when certain procedures are performed
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- Protocols | Protocol
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Route reports based on documented protocols
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- Incident / Unit / Transport Disposition
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Route reports based on disposition outcomes (NEMSIS 3.4 or 3.5)
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Why aren’t my reports appearing in the QA/QI list?
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Verify the workflow conditions are configured correctly
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Confirm the Request Supervisory Review field is being set to Yes
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Ensure users have appropriate QA/QI viewing permissions
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Test the workflow using known qualifying scenarios
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