Health Policy Research Update
A study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine finds that ambulance diversions are increasing at hospital emergency departments in Los Angeles County, while hospitals' ability to absorb more patients seeking emergency care is decreasing. According to researchers, the closure of hospital EDs and reduced capacity are related to an increase in ambulance diversion hours at nearby hospitals, rather than an increase in demand for emergency care.
This week's roundup also includes summaries and links to research on:
- Diabetes management programs; and
- A pilot program in San Diego that reduced health care costs and the use of emergency services by patients brought in repeatedly for intoxication.