Position of trauma surgery in emergency medicine

Abstract

The decision of the Federal Joint Committee has resulted in the further development of in-hospital emergency medicine through the establishment of central emergency departments and staged emergency care. In addition, the additional training in clinical acute and emergency medicine was established. The aim of this work is on the one hand to make trauma surgeons aware of these structural changes. On the other hand, we would like to evaluate an opinion and discuss the position of trauma surgery in emergency medicine. Aweb-based online survey was conducted at the Trauma Network and Trauma Registry Congress to collect participants' opinions on the position of trauma surgery in emergency medicine. Of 143 congress participants, 98 (67%) responded to the survey. The majority of participants were male (n = 78, 80%), over 40years of age (n = 62, 63%), and in aprofessional position with staff responsibility (n = 73, 75%). Emergency medicine (mean: 84.8; SD: 18.7) and intensive care medicine (mean: 78.3; SD: 20.4) training appears important. On the other hand, subsequent work in these areas appears less important (prehospital emergency medicine: mean: 65.1; SD: 28.0; ICU: mean: 53.7, SD: 30.3); however, activity in an emergency department is rated higher (MW: 87.0; SD: 18.7). There is high agreement that the trauma leader should be atrauma surgeon (mean 87.9; SD: 19.7). Ahigh volume of emergency trauma surgery patients and the care of severely injured patients in designated trauma centers show that trauma surgery expertise is mandatory in acentral emergency department. Senior positions should also be sought to ensure high quality standards.