Minimum data set development: air transport time-related terms.

The purpose of this research was to identify, name and define a set of concepts to describe specific times and time intervals relevant to patient transport by helicopter. A list of 206 potential terms was identified from 96 patient records. A purposive sample of experts representing nurses, physicians, paramedics, pilots and communication specialists involved in air transport was selected to participate in a five-round Delphi study conducted by email. A set of 19 concepts were identified and defined. Fifteen of the terms were specific times, such as Time of Call, Depart Base and Arrive Location. Four of the terms were intervals, such as Ground Time or Transport Time.