Comprehensive assessment of J-SPEED and WHO EMT MDS data collection tools

2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 23K19833
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: Khaing Inn・Kynn 広島大学, 医系科学研究科(医), 研究員 (60986553)
• Project Period (FY): 2023-08-31 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: J-SPEED / WHO EMT MDS / Disasters / Medical emergencies

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to thoroughly assess the J-SPEED and WHO EMT MDS data collection tools. Training on the WHO EMT MDS data collection tools, facilitated by Professor Tatsu Kubo, who oversees J-SPEED and EMT MDS data collection, was attended in Osaka. Face-to-face discussions regarding using J-SPEED/WHO EMT MDS data collection tools in disasters and medical emergencies were held with a NGO in Myanmar and the director of Hospital in Thailand. Fruitful discussions with my research collaborators, Professor Tatsu Kubo and my supervisor were held to develop questionnaires and research methodology.

Current Status of Research Progress

2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.

Reason

We are preparing the necessary documentation for submission to the ethical review board of Hiroshima University. Structured questionnaires for Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) have been devised, adhering to CDC guidelines for surveillance systems, with a focus on factors such as usefulness, simplicity, feasibility, data quality, timeliness, and availability. Additionally, interview questionnaires for Emergency Medical Team Coordination Cells (EMTCCs) have been developed, taking into account the utility, representativeness, and timeliness of the J-SPEED and WHO EMT MDS data collection tools. All questionnaires have been translated into Japanese for use by EMTs and EMTCCs in Japan. Appropriate measures have been taken to ensure that informed consent procedures for participants are prepared.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

Once our research is approved by the ethical committee of Hiroshima University, data collection will proceed according to the study timeline. We aim to commence data collection in the second week of June 2024, followed by analysis starting in the first week of July. Preliminary findings will be disseminated at the EMT conference in Dubai. The research aims to determine the functionality, challenges, and difficulties of using J-SPEED in Japan and WHO EMT MDS data collection tools in other countries, with potential international applications. Final findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, accompanied by presentations at international conferences.

Causes of Carryover

We saved travel expenses for the previous fiscal year. The transferred amount from previous fiscal year will be used for travel expenses and registration fees for an oral presentation of research findings in national and international conferences. Data collection is going to be collected in this fiscal year and all expenses for data collection will be incurred when we start to collect the data. The rest of the money will be used for disseminating our results in peer-reviewed journals.