Treatment Of Trauma Patients Research Articles

Evaluation of an Advanced Trauma Life Support course in Taiwan

The Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course was implemented in Taiwan by the Taiwan Surgical Association in 1996. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the ATLS course increases physicians' ability to care for severely injured patients and to identify areas for improvement in running the course. We prospectively collected the demographic data of participants for the ATLS provider and refresher courses held in 2012. We analyzed the passing rates (PRs) of the courses stratified by age, sex, types of hospitals, levels of trauma centers, and participant subspecialty. We also compared the students' pre- and post-test responses to multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. A total of 274 and 258 participants attended the provider and refresher courses, respectively. Five hundred (94%) participants were from either medical centers or regional hospitals and 437 also worked at trauma centers. The PR was affected by the age and the levels of the trauma centers in which the participants worked but not by sex or levels of training. More post-test MCQs on initial assessment and airway management topics were answered correctly than were pretest MCQs on the same topics ( p < 0.0001). By comparison, more responses to shock-management MCQs were answered incorrectly ( p < 0.0001). The ATLS course is a critical learning experience for physicians treating trauma patients. Junior house staff and physicians working at local hospitals, particularly those in rural areas, should be encouraged to attend the ATLS course.

Pelvic ring fractures: what the orthopedic surgeon wants to know.

Treating trauma patients with displaced pelvic fractures requires a multidisciplinary approach at a designated trauma center to reduce morbidity and mortality. Immediate recognition of pelvic ring disruption and determination of pelvic stability are critical components in the evaluation of such patients. Stability is achieved by the ability of the osseoligamentous structures of the pelvis to withstand physiologic stresses without abnormal deformation. The supporting pelvic ligaments, including the posterior and anterior sacroiliac, iliolumbar, sacrospinous, and sacrotuberous ligaments, play a crucial role in pelvic stabilization. Radiologists should be familiar with the ligamentous anatomy and biomechanics relevant to understanding pelvic ring disruptions, as well as the Young and Burgess classification system, a systematic approach for interpreting pelvic ring disruptions and assessing stability on the basis of fundamental force vectors that create predictable patterns. This system provides an algorithmic approach to interpreting images and categorizes injuries as anterioposterior (AP) compression, lateral compression, vertical shear, or combined. Opening and closing of the pelvis from rotational forces result in AP compression and lateral compression injuries, respectively, whereas vertical shear injuries result from cephalad displacement of the hemipelvis. AP and lateral compression fractures are divided into types 1, 2, and 3, with increasing degrees of severity. Knowledge of these injury patterns leads to prompt identification and diagnosis of other subtle injuries and associated complications at pelvic radiography and cross-sectional imaging, allowing the orthopedic surgeon to apply corrective forces for prompt pelvic stabilization.

Utility of vital signs, heart rate variability and complexity, and machine learning for identifying the need for lifesaving interventions in trauma patients.

To date, no studies have attempted to utilize data from a combination of vital signs, heart rate variability and complexity (HRV, HRC), as well as machine learning (ML), for identifying the need for lifesaving interventions (LSIs) in trauma patients. The objectives of this study were to examine the utility of the above for identifying LSI needs and compare different LSI-associated models, with the hypothesis that an ML model would be superior in performance over multivariate logistic regression models. One hundred four patients transported from the injury scene via helicopter were selected for the study. A wireless vital signs monitor was attached to the patient's arm and used to capture physiologic data, including HRV and HRC. The power of vital sign measurements, HRV, HRC, and Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS) to identify patients requiring LSIs was estimated using multivariate logistic regression and ML. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were also obtained. Thirty-two patients underwent 75 LSIs. After logistic regression, ROC curves demonstrated better identification for LSIs using heart rate (HR) and HRC (area under the curve [AUC] of 0.81) than using HR alone (AUC of 0.73). Likewise, ROC curves demonstrated better identification for LSIs using GCS and HRC (AUC of 0.94) than using GCS and HR (AUC of 0.92). Importantly, ROC curves demonstrated that an ML model using HR, GCS, and HRC (AUC of 0.99) had superior performance over multivariate logistic regression models for identifying the need for LSIs in trauma patients. Development of computer decision support systems should utilize vital signs, HRC, and ML in order to achieve more accurate diagnostic capabilities, such as identification of needs for LSIs in trauma patients.

An educational programme for error awareness in acute trauma for junior doctors

Background. In resource-poor environments of the developing world, young and inexperienced interns and community service doctors are often responsible for treating trauma patients without sufficient supervision. Time and experience are required for competency to develop, but in the understaffed environment of many hospitals time is often a constraint. Educational interventions are needed to accelerate competency development of the novice doctor. Method. The researchers designed an intervention using real cases and error theory to expand young doctors’ experiences of common trauma errors made in our setting. We analysed cases at the regular morbidity and mortality meetings and selected cases where error contributed to the condition of the patient. Using error theory, these cases were presented to doctors with the objective to increase error awareness. To assess the success of this intervention, three doctors who were exposed to the intervention and three who were not exposed to it were included in the study using a structured interview. Results. This study demonstrated that interns who had been exposed to the intervention had a broader understanding of how errors can compound a patient’s pathology and are often the result of systematic rather than individual failure. Conclusion. The researchers focused on the rationale for and the development of an intervention for novice doctors to expose them to trauma experiences in the framework of understanding error. The immediate success of the intervention is illustrated in the structured interviews. Further development of this intervention and more formal research into its pedagogical value are planned after formalisation of the intervention into a teaching curriculum for trauma doctors. This educational initiative will have to be part of a comprehensive multifaceted quality-improvement programme if it hopes to be successful.

Accuracy of EMS Trauma Transport Destination Plans in North Carolina

Objective. Planning for time-sensitive injury may allow emergency medical services (EMS) systems to more accurately triage patients meeting accepted criteria to facilities most capable of providing life-saving treatment. In 2010, North Carolina (NC) implemented statewide Trauma Triage and Destination Plans (TTDPs) in all 100 of North Carolina's county-defined EMS systems. Each system was responsible for identifying the specific destination hospitals with appropriate resources to treat trauma patients. We sought to characterize the accuracy of their hospital designations. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, we collected TTDPs for each county-defined EMS system, including their assigned hospital capabilities (i.e., trauma center or community hospital). We conducted a survey with each EMS system to determine how their TTDP was constructed and maintained, as well as with each TTDP-designated hospital to verify their capabilities. We determined the accuracy of the EMS assigned hospital designations by comparing them to the hospital's reported capabilities. Results. The 100 NC EMS systems provided 380 designations for 112 hospitals. TTDPs were created by EMS administrators and medical directors, with only 55% of EMS systems engaging a hospital representative in the plan creation. Compared to the actual hospital capabilities, 97% of the EMS TTDP designations were correct. Twelve hospital designations were incorrect and the majority (10) overestimated hospital capabilities. Of the 100 EMS systems, 7 misclassified hospitals in their TTDP. EMS systems that did not verify their local hospitals’ capabilities during TTDP development were more likely to incorrectly categorize a hospital's capabilities (p = 0.001). Conclusions. A small number of EMS systems misclassified hospitals in their TTDP, but most plans accurately reflected hospital capabilities. Misclassification occurred more often in systems that did not consult local hospitals prior to developing their TTDP. The potential of the TTDP to improve communication between EMS agencies and the facilities with which they work has not been fully realized. EMS agencies or systems should verify local hospital capabilities when engaging in destination planning efforts.

Incidence of osteoporotic fractures in elderly women and men in Finland during 2005-2006: a population-based study.

Osteoporosis is a major health concern in elderly population. Low-trauma fractures offer one way of identifying these patients for treatment. Population-specific incidences of osteoporotic fractures are essential to validate tools for clinical decision making. To evaluate population-based osteoporotic fracture incidences in Central Finland, we performed a manual search of low-trauma fractures 2005-2006 from the records of all the local health-care organizations treating trauma patients. We identified low-trauma fracture patients from radiology reports from five health centers serving the inhabitants of nine municipalities and from the patient records of two hospitals in Central Finland. The manually collected data were then compared against data from the Finnish Health Care Register. The crude incidence of all osteoporotic fractures in 2005-2006 in the population aged 50 years was 1254/100,000 person years: 694/100,000 person years in men and 1718/100,000 person years in women. Fracture numbers derived from register data were similar to those manually collected for hip and humerus fractures, but clearly smaller than those for wrist and ankle fractures. Population-based low-trauma fracture incidences, reported here for Finland, constitute a basis for calibration of fracture risk evaluation tools (e.g. the World Health Organization fracture risk evaluation tool, FRAX). This study showed that register data underestimate the incidences of, in particular, distal radius and ankle fractures.

Application of damage control resuscitation strategies to patients with severe traumatic hemorrhage: review of plasma to packed red blood cell ratios at a single institution

When treating trauma patients with severe hemorrhage, massive transfusions are often needed. Damage control resuscitation strategies can be used for such patients, but an adequate fresh frozen plasma: packed red blood cell (FFP:PRBC) administration ratio must be established. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 100 trauma patients treated with massive transfusions from March 2010 to October 2012. We divided the patients into 2 groups according to the FFP:PRBC ratio: a high-ratio (≥ 0.5) and a lowratio group (< 0.5). The patient demographics, fluid and transfusion quantities, laboratory values, complications, and outcomes were analyzed and compared. There were 68 patients in the high-ratio and 32 in the low-ratio group. There were statistically significant differences between groups in the quantities of FFP, FFP:PRBC, platelets, and crystalloids administered, as well as the initial diastolic blood pressure. Bloodstream infections were noted only in the high-ratio group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.028). Kaplan-Meier plots revealed that the 24-hr survival rate was significantly higher in the high-ratio group (71.9% vs. 97.1%, P < 0.001). In severe hemorrhagic trauma, raising the FFP:PRBC ratio to 0.5 or higher may increase the chances of survival. Efforts to minimize bloodstream infections during the resuscitation must be increased.

Application of damage control resuscitation strategies to patients with severe traumatic hemorrhage: review of plasma to packed red blood cell ratios at a single institution.

When treating trauma patients with severe hemorrhage, massive transfusions are often needed. Damage control resuscitation strategies can be used for such patients, but an adequate fresh frozen plasma: packed red blood cell (FFP:PRBC) administration ratio must be established. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 100 trauma patients treated with massive transfusions from March 2010 to October 2012. We divided the patients into 2 groups according to the FFP:PRBC ratio: a high-ratio (≥0.5) and a low-ratio group (<0.5). The patient demographics, fluid and transfusion quantities, laboratory values, complications, and outcomes were analyzed and compared. There were 68 patients in the high-ratio and 32 in the low-ratio group. There were statistically significant differences between groups in the quantities of FFP, FFP:PRBC, platelets, and crystalloids administered, as well as the initial diastolic blood pressure. Bloodstream infections were noted only in the high-ratio group, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.028). Kaplan-Meier plots revealed that the 24-hr survival rate was significantly higher in the high-ratio group (71.9% vs. 97.1%, P<0.001). In severe hemorrhagic trauma, raising the FFP:PRBC ratio to 0.5 or higher may increase the chances of survival. Efforts to minimize bloodstream infections during the resuscitation must be increased.Graphical

A Comparison of the Prehospital Motor Component of the Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS) to the Prehospital Total GCS (tGCS) as a Prehospital Risk Adjustment Measure for Trauma Patients

Objective. This study compared the prehospital motor component subscale of the Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS) to the prehospital total GCS (tGCS) score for its ability to predict the need for intubation, survival to hospital discharge, and neurosurgical intervention in trauma patients. Methods. This is a retrospective analysis of an urban level 1 trauma registry. All trauma patients presenting to the trauma center emergency department via emergency medical services from July 2008 through June 2010 were included. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) analysis was used to compare the predictive ability of the prehospital mGCS to tGCS for three outcomes: intubation, survival to hospital discharge, and neurosurgical intervention. Two subgroups (patients with injury severity score [ISS] ≥ 16 and traumatic brain injury [TBI] [head abbreviated injury score (AIS) ≥ 3]) were analyzed. An a priori statistically significant absolute difference of 0.050 in AUC between mGCS and tGCS for these clinical outcomes was used as a clinically significant difference. Multiple imputation was used for missing prehospital GCS data. Results. There were 9,816 patients, of which 4% were intubated, 3.8% had neurosurgical intervention, and 97.1% survived to hospital discharge. The absolute difference in AUC (prehospital tGCS minus mGCS) for all cases was statistically significant for all three outcomes but did not reach the clinical significance threshold: survival = 0.010 (95% CI: 0.002–0.018), intubation = 0.018 (95% CI: 0.011–0.024), and neurosurgical intervention = 0.019 (95% CI: 0.007–0.029). The difference in AUC between tGCS and mGCS for the subgroups ISS ≥ 16 (n = 1,151) and TBI (n = 1,165) did not reach clinical significance for the three outcomes. The discriminatory ability of the prehospital mGCS was good for survival (AUC: all patients = 0.89, ISS ≥ 16 = 0.84, traumatic brain injury = 0.86) excellent for intubation (AUC: all patients = 0.95, ISS ≥ 16 = 0.91, traumatic brain injury = 0.91), and poor for neurosurgical intervention (AUC: all patients = 0.67, ISS ≥ 16 = 0.57, traumatic brain injury = 0.60). Conclusion. The prehospital mGCS appears have good discriminatory power and is equivalent to the prehospital tGCS for predicting intubation and survival to hospital discharge in this trauma population as a whole, those with ISS ≥ 16, or TBI.

Development and validation of a machine learning algorithm and hybrid system to predict the need for life-saving interventions in trauma patients

Accurate and effective diagnosis of actual injury severity can be problematic in trauma patients. Inherent physiologic compensatory mechanisms may prevent accurate diagnosis and mask true severity in many circumstances. The objective of this project was the development and validation of a multiparameter machine learning algorithm and system capable of predicting the need for life-saving interventions (LSIs) in trauma patients. Statistics based on means, slopes, and maxima of various vital sign measurements corresponding to 79 trauma patient records generated over 110,000 feature sets, which were used to develop, train, and implement the system. Comparisons among several machine learning models proved that a multilayer perceptron would best implement the algorithm in a hybrid system consisting of a machine learning component and basic detection rules. Additionally, 295,994 feature sets from 82h of trauma patient data showed that the system can obtain 89.8% accuracy within 5min of recorded LSIs. Use of machine learning technologies combined with basic detection rules provides a potential approach for accurately assessing the need for LSIs in trauma patients. The performance of this system demonstrates that machine learning technology can be implemented in a real-time fashion and potentially used in a critical care environment.

Bridging classification for injury diagnoses that can be converted to both the International Classification of Diseases and the Abbreviated Injury Scale

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) is currently undergoing a revision process to develop the Eleventh Revision (ICD-11), but substantial modification of chapter 19 has not been proposed despite its known problems in describing injury severity and multiple injuries. Many facilities treating trauma patients perform duplicate coding for trauma diagnoses using two different classification systems, the ICD for administrative purposes and the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) for trauma registry, because unambiguous conversion of codes between the ICD and AIS is not always possible due to structural differences. We developed a new bridging classification system which can be unambiguously converted to both ICD and AIS. The bridging classification adopted multidimensional coding and addressed differences in granularity and classification boundaries by adopting the more detailed categorizations whenever the granularity and classification boundaries differed between the ICD and AIS. Then we showed that the bridging classification codes could unambiguously converted to both ICD and AIS. Once injuries are coded using the bridging classification, the ICD and AIS codes are readily available. Integrating the new bridging classification into the ICD-11, possibly as a clinical modification, would eliminate the necessity of complicated procedures for code conversion and duplicate coding, and benefit users by building on the strengths of both the ICD and AIS.

Does ATLS trauma training fit into Western countries: evaluation of the first 8years of ATLS in Germany.

With over 2 million certified physicians worldwide, the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) program is one of the most successful international medical education programs. Germany joined the ATLS program in 2003. Before implementation of the program, there was a controversial discussion as to whether a country like Germany with a long history of trauma care needed ATLS at all. 197 courses with nearly 3,000 providers were performed until December 2010. We assessed the course evaluations since the implementation of ATLS in Germany using the participants' systematic feedback. During the course, each participant evaluated each presentation, skill station, and simulation on a rating scale from 1 to 4 (1 being the best, 4 being the worst). The participants completed the evaluation forms during the course and before they received their results. The course coordinator made sure that all forms were returned. The feedback forms were collected anonymously and were entered into a database. Statistical analysis was performed using frequencies and mean values. The cumulative evaluation of all courses revealed an average performance score of 1.39 (1.06-1.86; n=197). The lectures, skill stations, and simulations were individually evaluated as follows: lectures 1.61 (1.00-2.81; n=197), skill stations 1.40 (1.00-2.40; n=197), and surgical skill stations 1.35 (1.00-2.38; n=197). Practical skills simulation (case scenarios) received the highest grade of 1.24 (1.00-1.57; n=197). There were no significant changes during the time concerning the results of the evaluation. The overall assessment showed constantly good and excellent evaluations by the participants over the years. In general, skill stations and simulations performed better than lectures. According to these results, the course format is well accepted by the participants and, therefore, can be recommended to all physicians treating trauma patients. Our results also underline the value of such a course format in an industrial country with an already established trauma system.

Analysis of the Result of Survey on Trauma Systems: The Neglected Disease of the Modern Society

BackgroundTrauma injuries are the main cause of death in the world. The aim of this study is to determine how trauma patients are treated in Spain at an organizational level. Material and methodsA questionnaire was prepared consisting of 14 questions regarding aspects of the trauma care organization and trauma education. It was posted on the web site of the Spanish College of Surgeons and all members were encouraged to participate. ResultsOne hundred and ninety questionnaires from 110 different hospitals were received. More than two-thirds (67.3%) of the centers had protocols for treating trauma patients, with 81% of them based on ATLS guidelines. Almost three-quarters (72.6%) of the doctors had completed the ATLS course, and 38.9% the DSTC course. There was a specific education program in trauma in 24.5% of the centers, and 35.5% had a Trauma Committee. There was a rehabilitation program in 24.5% of the centers. ConclusionVery few of the participating centers would fulfill the requirements of the American College of Surgeons accreditation for trauma centers. Trauma care in Spain has improved a lot in the recent years, but there is still a lot to do to reach the level of that in the United States of America.

Direct, indirect, and intangible costs after severe trauma up to occupational reintegration - an empirical analysis of 113 seriously injured patients.

Aim: Although seriously injured patients account for a high medical as well as socioeconomic burden of disease in the German health care system, there are only very few data describing the costs that arise between the days of accident and occupational reintegration. With this study, a comprehensive cost model is developed that describes the direct, indirect and intangible costs of an accident and their relationship with socioeconomic background of the patients.Methods: This study included 113 patients who each had at least two injuries and a total Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) greater than or equal to five. We calculated the direct, indirect and intangible costs that arose between the day of the accident and occupational reintegration. Direct costs were the treatment costs at hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Indirect costs were calculated using the human capital approach on the basis of the work days lost due to injury, including sickness allowance benefits. Intangible costs were assessed using the Short Form Survey (SF-36) and represented in non-monetary form. Following univariate analysis, a bivariate analysis of the above costs and the patients’ sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics was performed. Results: At an average Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 19.2, the average direct cost per patient were €35,661. An average of 185.2 work days were lost, resulting in indirect costs of €17,205. The resulting total costs per patient were €50,431. A bivariate analysis showed that the costs for hospital treatment were 58% higher in patients who graduated from lower secondary school [Hauptschule] (ISS 19.5) than in patients with qualification for university admission [Abitur] (ISS 19.4). Conclusions: The direct costs of treating trauma patients at the hospital appear to be lower in patients with a higher level of education than in the comparison group with a lower educational level. Because of missing data, the calculated indirect costs can merely represent a general trend, so that the bivariate analysis can only be seen as a starting point for further studies.

The effect of continuous hemofiltration in the treatment of traumatic patients with refractory acute cephalocele after craniotomy

To investigate the effect and the possible mechanism of continuous hemofiltration in the treatment of traumatic patients with refractory acute cephalocele. Continuous venous-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) was applied to 9 traumatic patients with refractory acute cephalocele after craniotomy. The changes in patients' physical signs, electrolytes, blood gas analysis, biochemical and blood clotting indexes as well as the outcome were observed. (1) The later the CVVH started, the worse the disorders became such as unstable body temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure and abnormal blood gas analysis. The most significant abnormality emerged with a delay of 12 hours. The above abnormalities returned to normal and kept stable within 12 hours of CVVH. CVVH maintained body temperature in hypothermic state, and serum lactic acid was kept at a low level without disturbance of blood coagulation function. (2) The duration between occurrence of cephalocele and beginning of CVVH was 2-16 hours, with a mean of (5.4±5.1) hours, the duration of CVVH was 23-129 hours, with a mean of (75.7±34.3) hours, and the net volume of liquid balance (NVLB) was -1.2-3.1 L, with a mean of (0.76±1.46) L. Height of encephalocele over skull window (HEOSW) was 51.8±10.0 mm and 51.0±10.0 mm before and 72 hours after CVVH. NVLB and HEOSW did not show obvious correlation with the prognosis of the patients. (3) Four patients survived, and 2 patients showed satisfactory outcome with Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) over 12 after follow-up for 3 months, and 2 patients showed improvement with GOS of 8 but in vegetative state 3 months later. Five patients died of respiratory failure and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) 9-35 days after the termination of CVVH. CVVH was safe and effective in certain extent in the treatment of refractory acute cephalocele. The direct causes of death of the patients were complications instead of the cephalocele itself. The outcomes of the patients were related to the time of beginning of CVVH and the duration of CVVH, and there was nothing to do with the NVLB and the HEOSW. The study implicated that the effect of CVVH on these patients was not brain-dehydration solely. It also exerted certain effect on regulating water-electrolyte balance, acid-base balance and body temperature.

Angiographic embolization of a post-traumatic splenic pseudoaneurysm

After the liver, the spleen is the second most commonly injured organ in blunt abdominal trauma. The past two decades have witnessed a trend towards non-surgical management of these injuries, and transarterial embolization (TAE) has greatly contributed to avoiding unnecessary laparotomies, especially in haemodynamically stable patients. We present the case of a 21-year-old male patient involved in a motor accident with subsequent injury of the left thorax and fracture of the left ulna. Abdominal computed tomography revealed the presence of a parenchymal haematoma and a pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery. Since the patient was haemodynamically stable, he was admitted to the clinic and the pseudoaneurysm was treated with distal selective TAE. Six months later, he remains asymptomatic without signs of pathology on Doppler ultrasound at follow-up. The use of these modalities can contribute to better success rates of NOM and should be readily available at any hospital treating trauma patients.

The Rush University Advanced Trauma Training Program, A Novel Approach for Military Trauma Training

Nearly 90% of combat deaths occur on the battlefield before the casualty reaches a treatment facility. It has been shown that early intervention in trauma patients improves morbidity and mortality. Hence, the training of military health care providers in lifesaving measures is imperative to saving lives on the battlefield. To date, few courses exist to provide skills in combat-zone trauma stabilization and treatment. Even fewer offer training in the identification and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorders and traumatic brain injury. We set out to develop a multidisciplinary, comprehensive course to include didactic lectures as well as hands-on training and observational modules. Ten courses have been delivered to date. Thus far, feedback from military personnel and course participants has revealed the positive impact of the training program. In this manuscript, we present the layout of the program and its contents.

Análisis de los resultados de una encuesta sobre los sistemas de trauma en España: la enfermedad abandonada de la sociedad moderna

BackgroundTrauma injuries are the main cause of death in the world. The aim of this study is to determine how trauma patients are treated in Spain at an organizational level. Material and methodsA questionnaire was prepared consisting of 14 questions regarding aspects of the trauma care organization and trauma education. It was posted on the web site of the Spanish College of Surgeons and all members were encouraged to participate. ResultsOne hundred and ninety questionnaires from 110 different hospitals were received. More than two-thirds (67.3%) of the centers had protocols for treating trauma patients, with 81% of them based on ATLS guidelines. Almost three-quarters (72.6%) of the doctors had completed the ATLS course, and 38.9% the DSTC course. There was a specific education program in trauma in 24.5% of the centers, and 35.5% had a Trauma Committee. There was a rehabilitation program in 24.5% of the centers. ConclusionVery few of the participating centers would fulfill the requirements of the American College of Surgeons accreditation for trauma centers. Trauma care in Spain has improved a lot in the recent years, but there is still a lot to do to reach the level of that in the United States of America.

Global Connections: Telemedicine as a Tool to extend Trauma Education

ABSTRACT Introduction Telemedicine is revolutionizing the delivery of trauma care and education. The International Trauma Tele- Grand Rounds is a series that unites institutions worldwide to discuss complex clinical cases and advanced trauma and critical care topics. Materials and methods Multiple remote institutions connect simultaneously to discuss the management of a trauma patient from the prehospital phase to discharge. Weekly, a case is presented in English by one institution on a rotating basis. Key points include mechanism of injury, resuscitation, laboratory and imaging diagnostics, surgical interventions, postoperative patient care, evaluation of treatment decisions and review of the literature. The highly interactive format allows participants to evaluate differences in trauma care across international health systems. Results During 2010 to 2011, 68 sessions were documented. Cases include blunt (42.6%), penetrating (48.5%), blast (7.4%) and crushing (1.5%) traumas. Gunshot wounds were the most frequent (25%). A holistic range of injuries were represented including injuries to major arteries, veins, lungs, heart, pericardium, esophagus, diaphragm, abdominal wall, stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, pelvis, and the extremities. A variety of surgical and nonsurgical interventions were explored. To date, there have been 42 participating institutions from the United States, Brazil, Colombia, Bahamas, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Panama, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands, Spain, Thailand, Turkey and Iraq; ranging from academic medical centers military hospitals, community hospitals, and rural hospitals. In 2011, the series received accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. Conclusion Telemedicine offers a solution to address the disparities in access to trauma care and education. The diversity of institutional settings allows participants to learn from others on how to best treat trauma patients, despite differences in resources and expertise. In addition to serving as an educational tool, the series provides a mechanism for physicians to network and collaborate on future endeavors. How to cite this article Marttos AC, Kuchkarian FM, Rojas DF, Fraga GP, Collet-Silva FS, de Almeida Costa C, Garcia GD, Ginzburg E, Schulman CI, Namias N. Global Connections: Telemedicine as a Tool to extend Trauma Education. Panam J Trauma Critical Care Emerg Surg 2013;2(1):62-66.

Urological implications of pelvic trauma

Urological implications of pelvic trauma