Data Value in Patient Tracking Systems at Racing Events

Purpose With the growing popularity of long-distance running races, an emerging area of interest for race organizers is the ability to electronically track and understand participant status throughout events to optimize runner and spectator experience and to identify and respond to the dynamic needs of both communities. This study examines the potential value of developing real-time patient tracking systems (PTS) at marathons based on the Chicago Medical Patient Tracking System (CMPTS). Methods Data collected from the CMPTS and timing mats along the course for two running races in 2012 and 2013 were analyzed for data completeness and data value. Subjects consisted of patients who were tracked electronically in the system. Results A comparison of medical data collected by PTS and paper forms is provided. Once fully implemented, PTS have the potential to capture more accurate and more detailed information compared with paper forms. A significant amount of records obtained by paper forms lacks any time or diagnosis information. Conclusions A set of best practices for tracking applications and data collection at marathons is proposed to improve accuracy based on CMPTS implementations from 2012 to 2013. Developing and conforming to standards for data collection at marathons and other mass-gathering events could improve data sets created from PTS, which can be used to improve operational decisions at such events and can provide the foundation for prediction models for enhancing planning and preparedness.