NCJ Number
247405
Editor(s)
Richard J. Bonnie,
Carolyn E. Fulco,
Catharyn T. Liverman
Date Published
1999
Length
333 pages
Annotation
This book presents the findings and recommendations of the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Injury Prevention and Control, which was directed to "make recommendations intended to further develop the field of injury prevention and control and to reduce the burden of injury in America."
Abstract
The committee concluded that the Nation's current investment in injury research is not commensurate with the magnitude of the problem. Overall, the committee recommends that additional funds and resources be authorized by Congress for the relevant Federal agencies and the States. This is necessary in order to prevent and improve the treatment of injuries, which are costly to individuals, families, and society. Throughout the report, the committee recommends additional funding for surveillance, research, and program evaluation supported by a variety of Federal agencies. There are abundant opportunities for scientific advances in all aspects of the field, which justifies a substantially higher level of funding for injury research. Trauma research should receive a higher share of increases in the National Institute of Health (NIH) budget. Further, funding should be increased for other agencies involved in injury prevention and control, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. The committee also concluded that there is a significant gap between what is already known about preventing or ameliorating injuries and what is being done in communities, workplaces, and clinics. This means that funding should be significantly increased for prevention programs, emergency medical services and trauma systems, and public health infrastructure. Although the committee did not attempt to develop specific cost estimates for its recommendations, implementing them will require the investment of new funds. 10 tables, 9 figures, a subject index, and appended timeline and public meeting agenda