Technological Changes in High Reliability Organization: Implementation of a Telematic Rescue Assistance System into German Emergency Medical Services

摘要

The introduction of a Telematic Rescue Assistance System into the German Emergency Medical Services aims at the enhancement of treatment quality and efficiency of rescue operations. Rescue teams are supported on site by a specialized emergency physician in a remote Competence Centre. Using mobile radio networks the Telematic Rescue Assistance System enables real time transmission of voice communication, vital parameters, pictures and videos from any emergency site. The successful and sustainable operation of a Telematic Rescue Assistance System in German Emergency Medical Services organizations requires the elaboration of a context and object adjusted implementation strategy. Dealing with technology change in a so called High Reliability Organization, organizational culture and structure affect primarily the design of available implementation instruments. Further requirements to the arrangement of an implementation process result from the sociotechnical specificities of the Telematic Rescue Assistance System. The present work presents the methodology used within the research project to develop an adequate implementation strategy, pointing out the relevant requirements and the chosen instruments to implement the system within five different Emergency Medical Services departments in 2012.