Policy

"Visits to the ER: Officials Fear Crisis is Near"
(2006) Orlando Business Journal
The Tallahassee-based hospital association is seeking help from lawmakers to address the issue of EDC. Some of the top recommendations were ease overcrowding, reduce the backlog, and ease the shortage of doctors willing to be on call for the emergency department. Suggestions for change are also listed with these recommendations.

The Future of Emergency Care in United States Health System"
(2006) Institute of Medicine
Emergency department crowding is due to a variety of reasons including an increase in the uninsured and the lack of access to primary healthcare in rural settings. This overcrowding leads to increased boarding of patients in the ED and also an increase in ambulance diversion. The Institute of Medicine has recommended a multi-pronged strategy which includes improving hospital efficiency and patient flow; having in place a coordinated, regionalized, accountable system; increasing resources; and paying attention to children.