Abstract
BackgroundAmerican College of Surgeons level I trauma center verification requires an active research program. This study investigated differences in the research programs of academic and non-academic trauma centers.MethodsA 28-question survey was administered to ACS-verified level I trauma centers in 11/12/2020–1/7/2021. The survey included questions on center characteristics (patient volume, staff size), peer-reviewed publications, staff and resources dedicated to research, and funding sources.ResultsThe survey had a 31% response rate: 137 invitations were successfully delivered via email, and 42 centers completed at least part of the survey. Responding level I trauma centers included 36 (86%) self-identified academic and 6 (14%) self-identified non-academic centers. Academic and non-academic centers reported similar annual trauma patient volume (2190 vs. 2450), number of beds (545 vs. 440), and years of ACS verification (20 vs. 14), respectively. Academic centers had more full-time trauma surgeons (median 8 vs 6 for non-academic centers) and general surgery residents (median 30 vs 7) than non-academic centers. Non-academic centers more frequently ranked trauma surgery (100% vs. 36% academic), basic science (50% vs. 6% academic), neurosurgery (50% vs. 14% academic), and nursing (33% vs. 0% academic) in the top three types of studies conducted. Academic centers were more likely to report non-profit status (86% academic, 50% non-academic) and utilized research funding from external governmental or non-profit grants more often (76% vs 17%).ConclusionsSurvey results suggest that academic centers may have more physician, resident, and financial resources available to dedicate to trauma research, which may make fulfillment of ACS level I research requirements easier. Structural and institutional changes at non-academic centers, such as expansion of general surgery resident programs and increased pursuit of external grant funding, may help ensure that academic and non-academic sites are equally equipped to fulfill ACS research criteria.
Highlights
American College of Surgeons level I trauma center verification requires an active research program
This study aimed to describe the trauma research programs of all American College of Surgeons (ACS)-verified level I trauma centers in the United States, as well as compare the abilities of academic and non-academic centers to fulfill the research requirements of the ACS
The survey was organized into five sections: 1) characteristics of the trauma center, including size and staffing; 2) subject matter and clinical specialties represented in trauma research projects; 3) research products used to fulfill ACS research requirements; 4) the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on ongoing trauma research; and 5) financial and staffing support for the trauma research program
Summary
American College of Surgeons level I trauma center verification requires an active research program. I is the highest designation, and criteria for this level include both volume thresholds (≥1200 trauma admissions per year or 240 admissions per year with Injury Severity Score > 15) and evidence of an active trauma research and scholarship program [2] The latter criteria are evaluated primarily through publication of peer-reviewed articles generated by research studies conducted at the trauma center: during the 3-year ACS review cycle, a trauma center must publish either 20 articles in peer-reviewed journals or 10 articles in conjunction with trauma-related scholarly activities such as leadership in national organizations, resident participation in paper competitions, and support for mentorships and fellowships [2]. Level I trauma centers serve as nationwide leaders in both patient care and clinical research
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
