Emergency Department Surge Capacity

Growing demand and reduced capacity for services in hospital emergency departments (EDs) have led to a nationwide problem of ED overcrowding. The threat of bio-terrorism and other disasters involving mass casualties magnifies the seriousness of ED overcrowding and creates a need to ensure that hospital EDs have sufficient surge capacity to deal with such emergencies. To help policymakers prepare for these emergencies, CSHP will conduct a three-year study of ED utilization and surge capacity in New Jersey. The study will achieve the following five objectives: 1. Review the extant literature on ED overcrowding and surge capacity. 2. Document recent trends in ED utilization and inpatient capacity in NJ. 3. Document patterns of inappropriate and avoidable use of ED services in NJ. 4. Describe the frequency and identify patterns in ambulance diversions from EDs in NJ. 5. Describe the range of options available to ensure adequate ED capacity.