• Niek J Vianen, J Reinout Campfens, Margot Brouwer-Bergsma, Jan C Van Ditshuizen, Georgios F Giannakopoulos, Nico Hoogerwerf, Dennis den Hartog, Van LieshoutEsther M MEMMTrauma Research Unit Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands., Iscander M Maissan, Patrick Schober, Lieneke Venema, VerhofstadMichael H JMHJTrauma Research Unit Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands., and Mark G Van Vledder.
• Trauma Research Unit Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
• Prehosp Emerg Care. 2024 Oct 24: 1141-14.

ObjectivesPhysician staffed Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (P-HEMS) care in the Netherlands has transitioned from predominantly trauma management to handling a variety of medical conditions. Relevant outcome parameters for Dutch P-HEMS research have not been previously defined. National consensus was sought to identify relevant long term patient outcome parameters, process outcome parameters and performance outcome parameters for Dutch P-HEMS care.MethodsThis was a mixed methods Delphi consensus study. A list of potentially relevant outcome parameters was identified using a systematic literature review. These parameters were subsequently surveyed in a Delphi consensus study. Helicopter Emergency Medical Services physicians and relevant stakeholders were invited to participate in this Delphi survey, where they were allowed to suggest additional outcome parameters. Descriptive analysis was performed on all data sets.ResultsForty-nine potential outcome parameters for Dutch P-HEMS care were surveyed. Of 71 invited participants, 53 (75%), 40 (56%), and 20 (28%) participated in the first, second, and third round of the Delphi study, respectively. Consensus was reached on 25 (51%) of 49 outcome parameters as being important. These consisted of seven long term patient related outcome parameters, four short term patient related outcome parameters, five process outcome parameters and nine performance outcome parameters.ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study identified 25 outcome parameters relevant for Dutch physician staffed HEMS care. These parameters should be considered when designing future studies and should be routinely collected for each dispatch if possible.

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