New IT platform for dispatch center and ambulances
An example of an effective and value-creating collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The Central Denmark Region’s Prehospital Unit has, in collaboration with the Aarhus-based company Trifork, developed the "Shared Operations Platform" (Fælles Driftsplatform, FDP). This system integrates two key areas: fleet management and operations.
Nearly a year ago, the Prehospital Unit in the Central Denmark Region began using this new operational platform. The platform serves as a shared tool for employees in the AMK Dispatch Center, mobile units (such as ambulances), and the Health Emergency Preparedness Team. Among other features, the system includes functionality for fleet management, offering better oversight of the Prehospital Unit's vehicles—whether they are in service or not.
"The system provides us with a better, shared overview. For example, we can see which vehicles are in service or soon need maintenance, as well as their location. Additionally, employees can access relevant information about the vehicle they are using while logged in," explains Ronni Sander, Operations Manager at the Prehospital Unit.
He further emphasizes that all operational tasks are centralized in the Shared Operations Platform (FDP), which is easily accessible to its approximately 650 users, as it works on mobile devices and tablets.
A system with many possibilities
Ronni Sander notes that as the FDP platform has become more widely used, the Prehospital Unit has discovered additional ways to utilize it.
"In the vehicles, colleagues can report faults or issues immediately. They can also access short instructional videos through the system. Many problems can now be resolved on-site, enabling faster vehicle turnaround. This capability has proven to be one of the system's most effective features."
The FDP is also used to provide targeted information about upcoming events in the region, ensuring that the relevant parts of the emergency preparedness team are well-informed.
"For major events in the region, such as the Royal Run or other activities requiring additional resources, everything is centralized in one place. We only involve the staff directly responsible, avoiding unnecessary interruptions for others. For example, we can share specific details like ambulance entry points and contact persons for a given event directly with those who need them," explains Steffen Carlsen, Dispatcher at the AMK Dispatch Center.
Developed with a private partner – Trifork Digital Health
The system was created in collaboration between developers from Trifork Digital Health and IT specialists from the Prehospital Unit, working closely with the operations team.
"The collaboration was incredibly effective. By the time we completed the first development sprint, we already had a functional system in use. Developing together meant that we, as developers, had direct access to both decision-makers and the end users who would rely on the system," says Niels Christian Søndergaard Johannsen, Delivery Manager and Co-Business Unit Lead at Trifork Digital Health.
Development and operations in parallel
Trifork Digital Health specializes in creating IT tools to support healthcare operations, but the development process with the Prehospital Unit stood out positively.
"It’s rare that we can develop and implement simultaneously, as we’ve done with the Shared Operations Platform. This approach is a significant advantage because it allows for real user feedback during development. It’s far more agile than standard user analysis and interviews. Additionally, for a period, we had an IT specialist from the Prehospital Unit embedded in the development team," explains Niels Christian Søndergaard Johannsen.
The Prehospital Unit is still learning how to use and maximize the FDP system in daily operations, but it is already proving to be highly valuable.
"The fact that the Dispatch Center and ambulances no longer have separate systems for the same tasks is a major benefit. Now, there’s a single unified system that everyone can access, whether they’re at home or on the move," says Helene Petersen, Project Manager at the Prehospital Unit
