A Policy and Research Framework for Strengthening Emergency Response Coordination Across Hospital Units

Strengthening emergency response coordination across hospital units has become a critical imperative in modern healthcare systems characterized by rising patient volumes, increasing clinical complexity, and heightened vulnerability to acute disruptions. This paper presents a comprehensive policy and research framework designed to enhance inter-unit collaboration, optimize information flows, and support rapid, evidence-based decision-making during emergency events. The framework integrates systems thinking, organizational resilience, and human-factors principles to address persistent coordination challenges such as communication delays, fragmented protocols, and inconsistent escalation pathways. It proposes unified emergency response policies, clear governance structures, standardized communication procedures, and cross-functional training mechanisms that collectively improve preparedness and operational coherence. In addition to policy measures, the framework outlines a robust research agenda emphasizing mixed-methods evaluation, simulation-based testing, and empirical validation of coordination models. Priority research areas include assessing the effectiveness of digital communication tools, analyzing real-time workflow interactions during emergencies, and evaluating the influence of organizational culture on inter-unit collaboration. The integration of advanced technologies such as interoperable electronic health records, real-time alerting systems, and decision-support analytics is highlighted as essential for achieving rapid information dissemination and situational awareness across clinical units. Pilot testing and iterative refinement are recommended to ensure scalability, contextual adaptability, and long-term sustainability. The framework ultimately aims to establish a learning-oriented environment where data-driven insights continually inform policy adjustments and operational improvements. By aligning policy design with practical research efforts, the model supports hospitals in achieving more coordinated, resilient, and patient-centered emergency response systems.