Choosing an EMS ePCR software solution can be a daunting task. This guidebook will let you in on the buying secrets of smart ePCR buyers.

1. An ePCR Buyer’s Guide
6
SECRETS
OF SMART
EPCR BUYERS

2. Secret 01
Choose an ePCR that offers
two-way data exchange with hospitals.
Exchanging data between EMS and Hospitals is a win/win.
EMS wins by receiving patient outcome data. Knowing what happens to the patient
after transporting them to the hospital allows EMS to run robust QA/QI programs based on
actual patient outcomes.
Hospitals win by gaining access to the raw EMS data they need to report to registries
(trauma, STEMI, stroke, etc.), trend patient populations, and develop metrics..
Knowing your patients’ outcomes will
change how you care for them.
6 Secrets of Smart ePCR Buyers

3. Secret 02
Look for built-in reporting that helps you
tell a story with your data.
Data collected and reported within numerous separate reports doesn’t tell the
whole story. You need a partner that can help you gather all of your data and
seamlessly weave it into an easy to understand
story of your agency’s performance. That way you
can measure your own performance as well as
benchmark yourself against others in your state or
across the nation.
It isn’t the data by itself that is important.
It’s what you can learn from it.
Because better data means better care.
6 Secrets of Smart ePCR Buyers

4. Secret 03
Go with a provider that can
grow with you.
Many ePCR providers lock you in to a version of software,
making you pay for the upgrades needed to keep up with your
agency’s developing needs. Look for a software as a service
(SaaS) provider that updates its software regularly so your ePCR
solution is always ahead of the curve.
And the upgrades shouldn’t cost you a dime.
Check the providers’ past release notes and
see how hard they work to meet their clients’
evolving needs.
6 Secrets of Smart ePCR Buyers

5. Secret 04
Seek a partner that understands
the future of healthcare.
Healthcare is changing how EMS operates. It’s important to align
yourself with a software provider that understands what the
changes—today and in the future—mean for your agency.
By partnering with an industry thought leader, you ensure your
ePCR purchase will take you through the upcoming and
potentially tumultuous years.
Choose wisely and you can “future-proof” your
software purchase.
Pick an ePCR provider that’s 3 steps ahead of
the healthcare changes.
6 Secrets of Smart ePCR Buyers

6. Secret 05
Look beyond price and understand the
total cost of ownership.
Beware of hidden costs. The fine print in many ePCR contracts
contain numerous expenses that will add up significantly over
time. By looking beyond the initial price quote, you can assess
what it will cost to own and operate the software solution over the
years.
Find a provider that offers many of
these “gotcha” items at no charge:

Unlimited users

Software upgrades

Unlimited faxing

Built in QA/QI reporting

Ongoing training

Live support
6 Secrets of Smart ePCR Buyers

7. Secret 06
Find an ePCR built for
ease of use and a medic’s workflow.
When evaluating an ePCR, determine how easy it is for a medic
to use in the field. Field software shouldn’t slow down a medic.
It should work seamlessly and follow his or her workflow. The
software shouldn’t dictate how the call is run.
Look for software that has the flexibility your medics need in their
ever-changing environment.
Happy medics are
productive medics.
6 Secrets of Smart ePCR Buyers

8. The checklist
Ask these questions to potential ePCR providers and ensure a smart purchase.
1
Do you offer a two-way data exchange with hospitals, providing patient outcomes?
Does your reporting help me tell a story with my data? Can you help me benchmark my performance with
other agencies?
Can you grow along with me and my changing needs?
Do you have a strategy to ensure my ePCR will keep up with changing healthcare laws and practices?
Are you disclosing all of your fees up front? (Look for hidden fees such as seat licenses, faxing costs,
ongoing training, software upgrades, upgrading your reporting package, and live support.)
Is the user interface easy for my medics to use? Can my medics dictate the flow of the call or does your
software force them down a path? Does your software allow medics to change things on the fly?

9. About ESO Solutions
ESO Solutions, Inc., founded in 2004 and headquartered in
Austin, Texas, employs industry leaders in EMS, software design
and information technology to create software solutions for the
healthcare industry. ESO Solutions’ products help healthcare
providers and administrators save time, improve documentation
quality and operational efficiencies, and enhance the continuum
of patient care. For more information about ESO Solutions, visit
esosolutions.com