What type of evaluation uses data to improve service in EMS?

Quantitative evaluation is focused on the collection and analysis of numerical data to assess various aspects of EMS services. This type of evaluation helps identify trends, measure outcomes, and provide evidence-based insights that can lead to improvements in operational effectiveness and patient care. By employing statistical methods, EMS organizations can objectively evaluate performance metrics, such as response times, patient satisfaction scores, and clinical outcomes.

Utilizing quantitative evaluation allows EMS agencies to set benchmarks, establish standards of practice, and track progress over time. This data-driven approach is essential for continuous quality improvement, enabling organizations to make informed decisions based on measurable evidence rather than subjective observations.

Other evaluation types, although valuable in their own right, do not primarily emphasize the use of data in the same way that quantitative evaluation does. For instance, qualitative evaluation involves non-numerical data, focusing more on subjective insights, personal experiences, or narratives, which may not provide the concrete metrics necessary for systematic improvement. Formative evaluation occurs during the implementation phase of a program and focuses on providing feedback to enhance ongoing processes, while summative evaluation is concerned with assessing the overall effectiveness of a program after completion. Each of these plays a role in the broader evaluation landscape, but when it comes to utilizing data specifically for service improvement in EMS