Characteristics of Adult Patients for Violence-Related Injuries Presenting to a Level 1 Trauma Center in Midwest United States

Abstract

Background Hospital violence intervention programs (HVIPs) have recently been initiated in trauma centers across the United States. However, violence-related injuries have unique factors and issues that should be addressed in the health care provided in emergency departments. Purpose This study aimed to characterize the patient population presenting at a level 1 ACS verified trauma center, with a chief complaint of violent trauma, and identify characteristics of patients most at risk for violence-related trauma. Methods The cross-sectional retrospective study examined patients’ electronic health records, at least 18 years, with a diagnosis of blunt or penetrating injury treated by the emergency and trauma team at level 1 ACS verified trauma center in the Midwest. Results Assault injuries accounted for most of the mechanisms that required treatment at the hospital and disposed to home. Nearly 80% of the population had no documentation of the relationship of the assailant. The average age of the patients was 33 years and black males. Eleven patients were treated in the emergency department twice for a trauma-related injury during the six-month data collection. Conclusion Injuries from violence require comprehensive care from various healthcare disciplines, similar to managing acute and chronic illnesses. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) guidelines support the development of an HVIP to identify risk factors and treatment plans for any patient exposed to violence. This research demonstrates that HVIPs should provide standardized screening and follow-up care while in the emergency department or immediately following the hospital to reduce the cyclical events.