Chapter 72
Emergency care regionalization
Andrew N. Hogan,
Reagan Rosenberger,
Raymond L. Fowler,
Andrew N. Hogan
Search for more papers by this authorReagan Rosenberger
Search for more papers by this authorRaymond L. Fowler
Search for more papers by this authorAndrew N. Hogan,
Reagan Rosenberger,
Raymond L. Fowler,
Andrew N. Hogan
Search for more papers by this authorReagan Rosenberger
Search for more papers by this authorRaymond L. Fowler
Search for more papers by this authorBook Editor(s):David C. Cone MD,
Jane H. Brice MD, MPH,
Theodore R. Delbridge MD, MPH,
J. Brent Myers MD, MPH,
David C. Cone MD
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
Search for more papers by this authorJane H. Brice MD, MPH
Professor of Emergency Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorTheodore R. Delbridge MD, MPH
Executive Director
Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore, Maryland
Search for more papers by this authorJ. Brent Myers MD, MPH
Chief Medical Officer ESO Associate Medical Director
Wake County EMS, Raleigh, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorSummary
Advances in the treatment of emergent medical conditions such as trauma, acute ischemic stroke, and ST-segment myocardial infarction in recent years have significantly improved patient outcomes for these pathologies. Therapeutic interventions for these conditions are often time dependent and rely upon specialty services that are not easily accessible to many communities. As a result, networks of care have developed to extend access to these specialty resources across larger geographical regions. Formation of such regionalized networks is a complex process from both a clinical and political perspective. This chapter discusses the rationale for regionalization, historical milestones in the evolution of regionalized systems, critical concepts for the establishment of these systems, and the influence of regionalization on improving patient outcomes. After reading this chapter, the reader will have an improved understanding of the benefits of regionalized emergency care as well as the many challenges involved in developing effective regionalized systems.
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