The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a comprehensive report entitled The Future of Emergency Care in the United States Health System, on June 14th, which is the culmination of a special two year project costing 3 million dollars.

   The report is actually 3 reports totaling approximately 1000 pages.  The last page of each report is a summary of recommendations that identifies the body or organization that should be responsible to correct the problems sited, such as congress, state boards, etc. There is an 8 page summary that can be copied and used for your reports or presentations. 

   Given the pivotal role emergency nurses play in the overall coordination and delivery of emergency care, the ENA provided an array of information and data to the IOM over the past year in relation to the development of the three sub-reports which together comprise the complete report.

   ENA President, Nancy Bonalumi, attended the press conference and IOM workshops in Washington, D.C. to represent the interests of the ENA and the emergency nursing profession via media interviews and outreach. The ENA's media outreach and analysis of the 900+ pages of report findings and recommendations will continue over the coming week. Stay tuned for additional information.

    The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) issued the following statement in response to the IOM reports on the Future of Emergency Care in the U.S. Health System, released today. A more detailed response from the association on the individual reports will be forthcoming.

"The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) agrees with the general recommendations put forth today by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Emergency nurses have always had a pivotal role working in the delivery and coordination of emergency medical care in the United States. As such, the ENA's priorities and positions have been consistently aligned with the IOM's call for a highly coordinated, regionalized and accountable emergency care system as well as the need for increased resources for emergency care-related programs to improve patient flow in EDs and ensure optimal patient care and safety.

Since its inception, the ENA has dedicated its efforts as an organization to improving the outlook of emergency care in the U.S. through legislative advocacy, research, professional development, injury prevention and patient education. Today's reports reinforce the importance of our efforts to address the needs of emergency nurses and the patients they serve."

   ENA members can access ongoing ENA coverage of The Future of Emergency Care in the United States Health System, including the official IOM report summary and links to a free online readable version of each sub-report, by clicking here http://www.ena.org/future/IOM/default.asp

   There will be an addition in our national convention meeting schedule to discuss the recommendations and ramifications of this study.

   The IOM will be holding town hall meetings discussing various aspects of the reports across the nation in cities such as LA,  Chicago(Staffing) , Washington, D.C., New Orleans (EMS).  Maryland State ENA will be expected to attend the D.C. town hall meeting to represent ENA.  It would be wonderful if we can all make it !!