• R F Maio and T Bronken.
• Section of Emergency Services, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109-0014.
• QRB Qual Rev Bull. 1991 Dec 1; 17 (12): 392-5.

AbstractTo determine the characteristics and effects of quality assurance programs in emergency medical service (EMS) systems in Michigan, medical directors of all EMS medical control authorities in Michigan were mailed a survey consisting of 14 closed-ended and open-ended questions including 2 using a subjective continuum scale; the study included phone follow-up of nonrespondents. Twenty-nine (56%) of 52 authorities surveyed responded; 28 reported that they conducted quality assurance activities. Physicians were the most commonly reported reviewers and emergency medical technicians were the practitioners most frequently reviewed. Although 26 (92%) respondents reported that their quality assurance program made a difference in the quality of care delivered, lack of standards and resources were most frequently listed as program weaknesses. Survey findings prompted the EMS Division of the Department of Public Health, State of Michigan, to address quality assurance in statewide seminars and to develop guidelines for statewide implementation.

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