Medical Control
The MCP is an essential component to the success of the communication center. The MCP should have extensive knowledge of the transfer process. Ideally, the MCP should have input into the development and design of the center as well as ongoing involvement in the evaluation of the quality of the service provided.
The MCP's involvement in the hiring process, along with the continued education of communication staff, will result in exceptional service. Oversight of quality-improvement activities, protocol development, and chart reviews are additional responsibilities of the MCP. The MCP is available during all hours of operation, giving medical direction to teams providing direct patient care. Communication center conversations are performed on voice logging phone lines; however, MCPs may have additional responsibilities throughout the hospital while performing the task of medical control physician, and may not have immediate access to these recorded lines. The availability of cellular phones and radios makes direct communication with the MCP possible. MCPs work closely with transport personnel, offering advice and guidance during stabilization and transport of the patient.When communication with the MCP cannot be achieved or maintained, protocols should be in existence to dictate appropriate medical care until contact can be established or the patient is admitted. Follow-up communication with the MCP regarding care rendered during transport and patient response are essential when a loss of communication has occurred.
With advances in video telecommunication systems, MCPs may be able to establish both visual and audio contact with the patient, either prior to transfer (if both referring and receiving hospitals are equipped to communicate) or with the transporting team (if equipment is portable). This technology enables the MCP to not only “see” the patient (skin color, injuries, abnormalities, etc) but may allow for listening to lung and heart sounds.
MCP involvement in preplanning for disaster management ensures the communication center is adequately prepared and equipped for emergency situations. Development of a PAIP, along with scheduled testing of the plan, ensures a communication center can manage necessary arrangements as events unfold. In addition, new billing codes may be used to report the MCP's supervision of a specialized transport team for a critically ill patient 2 years or younger.