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Chen Q, Qin Y, Jin Z, Zhao X, He J, Wu C, Tang B. Enhancing Performance of the National Field Triage Guidelines Using Machine Learning: Development of a Prehospital Triage Model to Predict Severe Trauma. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e58740. [PMID: 39348683 DOI: 10.2196/58740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 10/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prehospital trauma triage is essential to get the right patient to the right hospital. However, the national field triage guidelines proposed by the American College of Surgeons have proven to be relatively insensitive when identifying severe traumas. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to build a prehospital triage model to predict severe trauma and enhance the performance of the national field triage guidelines. METHODS This was a multisite prediction study, and the data were extracted from the National Trauma Data Bank between 2017 and 2019. All patients with injury, aged 16 years of age or older, and transported by ambulance from the injury scene to any trauma center were potentially eligible. The data were divided into training, internal, and external validation sets of 672,309; 288,134; and 508,703 patients, respectively. As the national field triage guidelines recommended, age, 7 vital signs, and 8 injury patterns at the prehospital stage were included as candidate variables for model development. Outcomes were severe trauma with an Injured Severity Score ≥16 (primary) and critical resource use within 24 hours of emergency department arrival (secondary). The triage model was developed using an extreme gradient boosting model and Shapley additive explanation analysis. The model's accuracy regarding discrimination, calibration, and clinical benefit was assessed. RESULTS At a fixed specificity of 0.5, the model showed a sensitivity of 0.799 (95% CI 0.797-0.801), an undertriage rate of 0.080 (95% CI 0.079-0.081), and an overtriage rate of 0.743 (95% CI 0.742-0.743) for predicting severe trauma. The model showed a sensitivity of 0.774 (95% CI 0.772-0.776), an undertriage rate of 0.158 (95% CI 0.157-0.159), and an overtriage rate of 0.609 (95% CI 0.608-0.609) when predicting critical resource use, fixed at 0.5 specificity. The triage model's areas under the curve were 0.755 (95% CI 0.753-0.757) for severe trauma prediction and 0.736 (95% CI 0.734-0.737) for critical resource use prediction. The triage model's performance was better than those of the Glasgow Coma Score, Prehospital Index, revised trauma score, and the 2011 national field triage guidelines RED criteria. The model's performance was consistent in the 2 validation sets. CONCLUSIONS The prehospital triage model is promising for predicting severe trauma and achieving an undertriage rate of <10%. Moreover, machine learning enhances the performance of field triage guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chen
- Department of Health Statistics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchen Qin
- Department of Health Statistics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhichao Jin
- Department of Health Statistics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinxin Zhao
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia He
- Department of Health Statistics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Wu
- Department of Health Statistics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bihan Tang
- Department of Health Management, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Ahn ES, Kim KH, Park JH, Song KJ, Shin SD. Disparity in guideline adherence for prehospital care according to patient age in emergency medical service transport for moderate to severe trauma. Injury 2024; 55:111630. [PMID: 38839516 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2024.111630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the association between patient age and guideline adherence for prehospital care in emergency medical services (EMS) for moderate to severe trauma. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study that used a nationwide EMS-based trauma database from 2016 to 2019. Adult trauma patients whose injury severity score was greater than or equal to nine were screened, and those with cardiac arrest or without outcome data were excluded. The enrolled patients were categorized into four groups according to patient age: young (<45 years), middle-aged (45-64 years), old (65-84 years), and very old (>84 years). The primary outcome was guideline adherence, which was defined as following all prehospital care components: airway management for level of consciousness below verbal response, oxygen supply for pulse oximetry under 94 %, intravenous fluid administration for systolic blood pressure under 90 mmHg, scene resuscitation time within 10 min, and transport to the trauma center or level 1 emergency department. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs). RESULTS Among the 430,365 EMS-treated trauma patients, 38,580 patients were analyzed-9,573 (24.8 %) in the young group, 15,296 (39.7 %) in the middle-aged group, 9,562 (24.8 %) in the old group, and 4,149 (10.8 %) in the very old group. The main analysis revealed a lower probability of guideline adherence in the old group (aOR 95 % CI = 0.84 (0.76-0.94)) and very old group (aOR 95 % CI = 0.68 (0.58-0.81)) than in the young group. CONCLUSION We found disparities in guideline adherence for prehospital care according to patient age at the time of EMS assessment of moderate to severe trauma. Considering this disparity, the prehospital trauma triage and management for older patients needs to be improved and educated to EMS providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Seon Ahn
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea
| | - Ki Hong Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea; Laboratory of Emergency Medical Services, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jeong Ho Park
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea; Laboratory of Emergency Medical Services, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung Jun Song
- Laboratory of Emergency Medical Services, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea; Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Korea
| | - Sang Do Shin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea; Laboratory of Emergency Medical Services, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea
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Jarman MP, Jin G, Chen A, Losina E, Weissman JS, Berry SD, Salim A. Short-term outcomes of prehospital opioid pain management for older adults with fall-related injury. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:1384-1395. [PMID: 38418369 PMCID: PMC11090711 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioids are recommended for pain management in patients being cared for and transported by emergency medical services, but no specific guidelines exist for older adults with fall-related injury. Prior research suggests prehospital opioid administration can effectively manage pain in older adults, but less is known about safety in this population. We compared short-term safety outcomes, including delirium, disposition, and length of stay, among older adults with fall-related injury according to whether they received prehospital opioid analgesia. METHODS We linked Medicare claims data with prehospital patient care reports for older adults (≥65) with fall-related injury in Illinois between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015. We used weighted regression models (logistic, multinomial logistic, and Poisson) to assess the association between prehospital opioid analgesia and incidence of inpatient delirium, hospital disposition, and length of stay. RESULTS Of 28,150 included older adults, 3% received prehospital opioids. Patients receiving prehospital opioids (vs. no prehospital opioids) were less likely to be discharged home from the emergency department (adjusted probability = 0.30 [95% CI: 0.25, 0.34] vs. 0.47 [95% CI: 0.46, 0.48]), more likely to be discharged to a non-home setting after an inpatient admission (adjusted probability = 0.43 [95% CI: 0.39, 0.48] vs. 0.30 [95% CI: 0.30, 0.31]), had inpatient length of stay 0.4 days shorter (p < 0.001) and ICU length of stay 0.7 days shorter (p = 0.045). Incidence of delirium did not vary between treatment and control groups. CONCLUSIONS Few older adults receive opioid analgesia in the prehospital setting. Prehospital opioid analgesia may be associated with hospital disposition and length of stay for older adults with fall-related injury. However, our findings do not provide evidence of an association with inpatient delirium. These findings should be considered when developing guidelines for prehospital pain management specific to the older adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly P Jarman
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ginger Jin
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Annie Chen
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elena Losina
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joel S Weissman
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah D Berry
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research and Department of Medicine, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ali Salim
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Trauma, Burn, and Surgical Critical Care, Brigham and Woemn's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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LaGrone LN, Stein D, Cribari C, Kaups K, Harris C, Miller AN, Smith B, Dutton R, Bulger E, Napolitano LM. American Association for the Surgery of Trauma/American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma: Clinical protocol for damage-control resuscitation for the adult trauma patient. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2024; 96:510-520. [PMID: 37697470 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000004088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Damage-control resuscitation in the care of critically injured trauma patients aims to limit blood loss and prevent and treat coagulopathy by combining early definitive hemorrhage control, hypotensive resuscitation, and early and balanced use of blood products (hemostatic resuscitation) and the use of other hemostatic agents. This clinical protocol has been developed to provide evidence-based recommendations for optimal damage-control resuscitation in the care of trauma patients with hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacey N LaGrone
- From the Department of Surgery (D.S.), University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Surgery (L.N.L., C.C.), UCHealth, Loveland, Colorado; Department of Surgery (K.K), University of California San Francisco Fresno, San Francisco, California; Department of Surgery (C.H.), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana; Orthopedic Surgery (A.N.M.), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Department of Surgery (B.S.), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; American Society of Anesthesiologists (R.D.), Anesthesia, Waco, Texas; Department of Surgery (E.B.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and Department of Surgery (L.M.N.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Ramgopal S, Sepanski RJ, Crowe RP, Okubo M, Callaway CW, Martin-Gill C. Correlation of vital sign centiles with in-hospital outcomes among adults encountered by emergency medical services. Acad Emerg Med 2024; 31:210-219. [PMID: 37845192 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vital signs are a critical component of the prehospital assessment. Prior work has suggested that vital signs may vary in their distribution by age. These differences in vital signs may have implications on in-hospital outcomes or be utilized within prediction models. We sought to (1) identify empirically derived (unadjusted) cut points for vital signs for adult patients encountered by emergency medical services (EMS), (2) evaluate differences in age-adjusted cutoffs for vital signs in this population, and (3) evaluate unadjusted and age-adjusted vital signs measures with in-hospital outcomes. METHODS We used two multiagency EMS data sets to derive (National EMS Information System from 2018) and assess agreement (ESO, Inc., from 2019 to 2021) of vital signs cutoffs among adult EMS encounters. We compared unadjusted to age-adjusted cutoffs. For encounters within the ESO sample that had in-hospital data, we compared the association of unadjusted cutoffs and age-adjusted cutoffs with hospitalization and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS We included 13,405,858 and 18,682,684 encounters in the derivation and validation samples, respectively. Both extremely high and extremely low vital signs demonstrated stepwise increases in admission and in-hospital mortality. When evaluating age-based centiles with vital signs, a gradual decline was noted at all extremes of heart rate (HR) with increasing age. Extremes of systolic blood pressure at upper and lower margins were greater in older age groups relative to younger age groups. Respiratory rate (RR) cut points were similar for all adult age groups. Compared to unadjusted vital signs, age-adjusted vital signs had slightly increased accuracy for HR and RR but lower accuracy for SBP for outcomes of mortality and hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS We describe cut points for vital signs for adults in the out-of-hospital setting that are associated with both mortality and hospitalization. While we found age-based differences in vital signs cutoffs, this adjustment only slightly improved model performance for in-hospital outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Ramgopal
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Robert J Sepanski
- Department of Quality & Safety, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Masashi Okubo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Clifton W Callaway
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christian Martin-Gill
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Garwe T, Newgard CD, Stewart K, Wan Y, Cody P, Cutler J, Acharya P, Albrecht RM. Enhancing utility of interfacility triage guidelines using machine learning: Development of the Geriatric Interfacility Trauma Triage score. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2023; 94:546-553. [PMID: 36404409 PMCID: PMC10038832 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000003846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Undertriage of injured older adults to tertiary trauma centers (TTCs) has been demonstrated by many studies. In predominantly rural regions, a majority of trauma patients are initially transported to nontertiary trauma centers (NTCs). Current interfacility triage guidelines do not highlight the hierarchical importance of risk factors nor do they allow for individual risk prediction. We sought to develop a transfer risk score that may simplify secondary triage of injured older adults to TTCs. METHODS This was a retrospective prognostic study of injured adults 55 years or older initially transported to an NTC from the scene of injury. The study used data reported to the Oklahoma State Trauma Registry between 2009 and 2019. The outcome of interest was either mortality or serious injury (Injury Severity Score, ≥16) requiring an interventional procedure at the receiving facility. In developing the model, machine-learning techniques including random forests were used to reduce the number of candidate variables recorded at the initial facility. RESULTS Of the 5,913 injured older adults initially transported to an NTC before subsequent transfer to a TTC, 32.7% (1,696) had the outcome of interest at the TTC. The final prognostic model (area under the curve, 75.4%; 95% confidence interval, 74-76%) included the following top four predictors and weighted scores: airway intervention (10), traffic-related femur fracture (6), spinal cord injury (5), emergency department Glasgow Coma Scale score of ≤13 (5), and hemodynamic support (4). Bias-corrected and sample validation areas under the curve were 74% and 72%, respectively. A risk score of 7 yields a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 56%. CONCLUSION Secondary triage of injured older adults to TTCs could be enhanced by use of a risk score. Our study is the first to develop a risk stratification tool for injured older adults requiring transfer to a higher level of care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and Epidemiolgical; Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabitha Garwe
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Craig D. Newgard
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Kenneth Stewart
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Yang Wan
- Emergency Systems Division, Oklahoma State Department of Health
| | | | - James Cutler
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Pawan Acharya
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Roxie M. Albrecht
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
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Lupton JR, Davis-O'Reilly C, Jungbauer RM, Newgard CD, Fallat ME, Brown JB, Mann NC, Jurkovich GJ, Bulger E, Gestring ML, Lerner EB, Chou R, Totten AM. Under-Triage and Over-Triage Using the Field Triage Guidelines for Injured Patients: A Systematic Review. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2023; 27:38-45. [PMID: 35191799 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2022.2043963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Field Triage Guidelines (FTG) are used across North America to identify seriously injured patients for transport to appropriate level trauma centers, with a goal of under-triaging no more than 5% and over-triaging between 25% and 35%. Our objective was to systematically review the literature on under-triage and over-triage rates of the FTG. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the FTG performance. Ovid Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane databases were searched for studies published between January 2011 and February 2021. Two investigators dual-reviewed eligibility of abstracts and full-text. We included studies evaluating under- or over-triage of patients using the FTG in the prehospital setting. We excluded studies not reporting an outcome of under- or over-triage, studies evaluating other triage tools, or studies of triage not in the prehospital setting. Two investigators independently assessed the risk of bias for each included article. The primary accuracy measures to assess the FTG were under-triage, defined as seriously injured patients transported to non-trauma hospitals (1-sensitivity), and over-triage, defined as non-injured patients transported to trauma hospitals (1-specificity). Due to heterogeneity, results were synthesized qualitatively. RESULTS We screened 2,418 abstracts, reviewed 315 full-text publications, and identified 17 studies that evaluated the accuracy of the FTG. Among eight studies evaluating the entire FTG (steps 1-4), under-triage rates ranged from 1.6% to 72.0% and were higher for older (≥55 or ≥65 years) adults (20.1-72.0%) and pediatric (<15 years) patients (15.9-34.8%) compared to all ages (1.6-33.8%). Over-triage rates ranged from 9.9% to 87.4% and were higher for all ages (12.2-87.4%) compared to older (≥55 or ≥65 years) adults (9.9-48.2%) and pediatric (<15 years) patients (28.0-33.6%). Under-triage was lower in studies strictly applying the FTG retrospectively (1.6-34.8%) compared to as-practiced (10.5-72.0%), while over-triage was higher retrospectively (64.2-87.4%) compared to as-practiced (9.9-48.2%). CONCLUSIONS Evidence suggests that under-triage, while improved if the FTG is strictly applied, remains above targets, with higher rates of under-triage in both children and older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Lupton
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Cynthia Davis-O'Reilly
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Rebecca M Jungbauer
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Craig D Newgard
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mary E Fallat
- Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Joshua B Brown
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - N Clay Mann
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Eileen Bulger
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mark L Gestring
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - E Brooke Lerner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Roger Chou
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Annette M Totten
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Patient Outcomes Based on the 2011 CDC Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients. J Trauma Nurs 2023; 30:5-13. [PMID: 36633338 DOI: 10.1097/jtn.0000000000000691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients drive the destination decision for millions of emergency medical services (EMS)-transported trauma patients annually, yet limited information exists regarding performance and relationship with patient outcomes as a whole. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of positive findings on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients with hospitalization and mortality. METHODS This retrospective study included all 911 responses from the 2019 ESO Data Collaborative research dataset with complete Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients and linked emergency department dispositions, excluding children and cardiac arrests prior to EMS arrival. Patients were categorized by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients step(s) met. Outcomes were hospitalization and emergency department or inhospital mortality. RESULTS There were 86,462 records included: n = 65,967 (76.3%) met no criteria, n = 16,443 (19.0%) met one step (n = 1,571 [9.6%] vitals, n = 1,030 [6.3%] anatomy of injury, n = 993 [6.0%] mechanism of injury, and n = 12,849 [78.1%] special considerations), and n = 4,052 (4.7%) met multiple. Compared with meeting no criteria, hospitalization odds increased threefold for vitals (odds ratio [OR]: 3.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.77-3.40), fourfold for anatomy of injury (OR: 3.94, 95% CI: 3.48-4.46), twofold for mechanism of injury (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.74-2.29), or special considerations (OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 2.36-2.56). Hospitalization odds increased ninefold when positive in multiple steps (OR: 8.97, 95% CI: 8.37-9.62). Overall, n = 84,473 (97.7%) had mortality data available, and n = 886 (1.0%) died. When compared with meeting no criteria, mortality odds increased 10-fold when positive in vitals (OR: 9.58, 95% CI: 7.30-12.56), twofold for anatomy of injury (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.28-4.29), or special considerations (OR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.71-2.60). There was no difference when only positive for mechanism of injury (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.03-1.54). Mortality odds increased 23-fold when positive in multiple steps (OR: 22.7, 95% CI: 19.7-26.8). CONCLUSIONS Patients meeting multiple Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients steps were at greater risk of hospitalization and death. When meeting only one step, anatomy of injury was associated with greater risk of hospitalization; vital sign criteria were associated with greater risk of mortality.
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Lupton JR, Davis‐O'Reilly C, Jungbauer RM, Newgard CD, Fallat ME, Brown JB, Mann NC, Jurkovich GJ, Bulger E, Gestring ML, Lerner EB, Chou R, Totten AM. Mechanism of injury and special considerations as predictive of serious injury: A systematic review. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:1106-1117. [PMID: 35319149 PMCID: PMC9545392 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's field triage guidelines (FTG) are routinely used by emergency medical services personnel for triaging injured patients. The most recent (2011) FTG contains physiologic, anatomic, mechanism, and special consideration steps. Our objective was to systematically review the criteria in the mechanism and special consideration steps that might be predictive of serious injury or need for a trauma center. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the predictive utility of mechanism and special consideration criteria for predicting serious injury. A research librarian searched in Ovid Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane databases for studies published between January 2011 and February 2021. Eligible studies were identified using a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were excluded if they lacked an outcome for serious injury, such as measures of resource use, injury severity scores, mortality, or composite measures using a combination of outcomes. Given the heterogeneity in populations, measures, and outcomes, results were synthesized qualitatively focusing on positive likelihood ratios (LR+) whenever these could be calculated from presented data or adjusted odds ratios (aOR). RESULTS We reviewed 2418 abstracts and 315 full-text publications and identified 42 relevant studies. The factors most predictive of serious injury across multiple studies were death in the same vehicle (LR+ 2.2-7.4), ejection (aOR 3.2-266.2), extrication (LR+ 1.1-6.6), lack of seat belt use (aOR 4.4-11.3), high speeds (aOR 2.0-2.9), concerning crash variables identified by vehicle telemetry systems (LR+ 4.7-22.2), falls from height (LR+ 2.4-5.9), and axial load or diving (aOR 2.5-17.6). Minor or inconsistent predictors of serious injury were vehicle intrusion (LR+ 0.8-7.2), cardiopulmonary or neurologic comorbidities (LR+ 0.8-3.1), older age (LR+ 0.6-6.8), or anticoagulant use (LR+ 1.1-1.8). CONCLUSIONS Select mechanism and special consideration criteria contribute positively to appropriate field triage of potentially injured patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R. Lupton
- Department of Emergency MedicineOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Cynthia Davis‐O'Reilly
- Pacific Northwest Evidence‐based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical EpidemiologyOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Rebecca M. Jungbauer
- Pacific Northwest Evidence‐based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical EpidemiologyOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Craig D. Newgard
- Department of Emergency MedicineOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Mary E. Fallat
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Louisville School of MedicineLouisvilleKentuckyUSA
| | - Joshua B. Brown
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - N. Clay Mann
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | | | - Eileen Bulger
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Mark L. Gestring
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of RochesterRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | - E. Brooke Lerner
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew YorkUSA
| | - Roger Chou
- Pacific Northwest Evidence‐based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical EpidemiologyOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Annette M. Totten
- Pacific Northwest Evidence‐based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical EpidemiologyOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
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Coulombe P, Tardif PA, Nadeau A, Beaumont-Boileau R, Malo C, Emond M, Blanchard PG, Moore L, Mercier E. Accuracy of Prehospital Trauma Triage to Select Older Adults Requiring Urgent and Specialized Trauma Care. J Surg Res 2022; 275:281-290. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Barrett JW, Williams J, Griggs J, Skene S, Lyon R. What are the demographic and clinical differences between those older adults with traumatic brain injury who receive a neurosurgical intervention to those that do not? A systematic literature review with narrative synthesis. Brain Inj 2022; 36:841-849. [PMID: 35767716 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2093398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review aimed to identify the demographic and clinical differences between those older adults admitted directly under neurosurgical care and those that were not, and whether EMS clinicians could use these differences to improve patient triage. METHODS The authors searched for papers that included older adults who had suffered a TBI and were either admitted directly under neurosurgical care or were not. Titles and abstracts were screened, shortlisting potentially eligible papers before performing a full-text review. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias. RESULTS A total of nine studies were eligible for inclusion. A high abbreviated injury score head, Marshall score or subdural hematoma greater than 10 mm were associated with neurosurgical care. There were few differences between those patients who did and did not receive neurosurgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS Absence of guidelines and clinician bias means that differences between those treated aggressively and conservatively observed in the literature are fraught with bias. Further work is required to understand which patients would benefit from an escalation of care and whether EMS can identify these patients so they are transported directly to a hospital with the appropriate services on-site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack W Barrett
- Department of Research and Development, South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Nexus House, Crawley, UK.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
| | - Julia Williams
- Department of Research and Development, South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Nexus House, Crawley, UK.,School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Joanna Griggs
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK.,Department of Research and Innovation, Air Ambulance Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Surrey, UK
| | - Simon Skene
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
| | - Richard Lyon
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK.,Department of Research and Innovation, Air Ambulance Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Surrey, UK
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12
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Alqurashi N, Alotaibi A, Bell S, Lecky F, Body R. The diagnostic accuracy of prehospital triage tools in identifying patients with traumatic brain injury: A systematic review. Injury 2022; 53:2060-2068. [PMID: 35190184 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2022.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prehospital care providers are usually the first responders for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Early identification of patients with TBI enables them to receive trauma centre care, which improves outcomes. Two recent systematic reviews concluded that prehospital triage tools for undifferentiated major trauma have low accuracy. However, neither review focused specifically on patients with suspected TBI. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the existing evidence on the diagnostic performance of prehospital triage tools for patients with suspected TBI. METHODS A comprehensive search of the current literature was conducted using Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus and the Cochrane library (inception to 1st June 2021). We also searched Google Scholar, OpenGrey, pre-prints (MedRxiv) and dissertation databases. We included all studies published in English language evaluating the accuracy of prehospital triage tools for TBI. We assessed methodological quality and risk of bias using a modified Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. Two reviewers independently performed searches, screened titles and abstracts and undertook methodological quality assessments. Due to the heterogeneity in the population of interest and prehospital triage tools used, a narrative synthesis was undertaken. RESULTS The initial search identified 1787 articles, of which 8 unique eligible studies met the inclusion criteria (5 retrospective, 2 prospective, 1 mixed). Overall, sensitivity of triage tools studied ranged from 19.8% to 87.9% for TBI identification. Specificity ranged from 41.4% to 94.4%. Two decision tools have been validated more than once: HITS-NS (2 studies, sensitivity 28.3-32.6%, specificity 89.1-94.4%) and the Field Triage Decision Scheme (4 studies, sensitivity 19.8-64.5%, specificity 77.4%-93.1%). Existing tools appear to systematically under-triage older patients. CONCLUSION Further efforts are needed to improve and optimise prehospital triage tools. Consideration of additional predictors (e.g., biomarkers, clinical decision aids and paramedic judgement) may be required to improve diagnostic accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naif Alqurashi
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Department of Accidents and Trauma, Prince Sultan bin Abdelaziz College for Emergency Medical Services, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ahmed Alotaibi
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Steve Bell
- Medical Directorate, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Bolton, BL1 5DD, UK.
| | - Fiona Lecky
- University of Sheffield, School of Health and Related Research, Sheffield, UK.
| | - Richard Body
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Emergency Department, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
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13
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Harthi N, Goodacre S, Sampson F, Alharbi R. Research priorities for prehospital care of older patients with injuries: scoping review. Age Ageing 2022; 51:afac108. [PMID: 35604804 PMCID: PMC9126200 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE There is increasing recognition of the importance of prehospital trauma care for older patients, but little systematic research to guide practice. We aimed to review the published evidence on prehospital trauma care for older patients, determine the scope of existing research and identify research gaps in the literature. METHODS We undertook a systematic scoping review guided by the Arksey and O'Malley framework and reported in line with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A systematic search was conducted of Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane library databases to identify articles published between 2001 and 2021. Study selection criteria were applied independently by two reviewers. Data were extracted, charted and summarised from eligible articles. A data-charting form was then developed to facilitate thematic analysis. Narrative synthesis then involved identifying major themes and subthemes from the data. RESULTS We identified and reviewed 65 studies, and included 25. We identified five categories: 'field triage', 'ageing impacts', 'decision-making', 'paramedic' awareness' and 'paramedic's behaviour'. Undertriage and overtriage (sensitivity and specificity) were commonly cited as poorly investigated field-triage subthemes. Ageing-related physiologic changes, comorbidities and polypharmacy were the most widely researched. Inaccurate decision-making and poor early identification of major injuries were identified as potentially influencing patient outcomes. CONCLUSION This is the first study reviewing the published evidence on prehospital trauma care for older patients and identifying research priorities for future research. Field-triage tools, paramedics' knowledge about injuries in the older population, and understanding of paramedics' negative behaviours towards older patients were identified as key research priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naif Harthi
- School of Health and Related-Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield City, UK
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan City, Saudi Arabia
| | - Steve Goodacre
- School of Health and Related-Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield City, UK
| | - Fiona Sampson
- School of Health and Related-Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield City, UK
| | - Rayan Alharbi
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan City, Saudi Arabia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Melbourne City, Australia
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14
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Jarman MP, Jin G, Weissman JS, Ash AS, Tjia J, Salim A, Haider A, Cooper Z. Association of Trauma Center Designation With Postdischarge Survival Among Older Adults With Injuries. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e222448. [PMID: 35294541 PMCID: PMC8928003 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.2448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Trauma centers improve outcomes for young patients with serious injuries. However, most injury-related hospital admissions and deaths occur in older adults, and it is not clear whether trauma center care provides the same benefit in this population. Objective To examine whether 30- and 365-day mortality of injured older adults is associated with the treating hospital's trauma center level. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective, population-based cohort study used Medicare claims data from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2016, for all fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries 66 years or older with inpatient admission for traumatic injury in 2014 to 2015. Data analysis was performed from January 1 to June 31, 2021. Preinjury health was measured using 2013 claims, and outcomes were measured through 2016. The population was stratified by anatomical injury pattern. Propensity scores for level I trauma center treatment were estimated using the Abbreviated Injury Scale, age, and residential proximity to trauma center and then used to match beneficiaries from each trauma level (I, II, III, and IV/non-trauma centers) by injury type. Exposure Admitting hospital's trauma center level. Main Outcomes and Measures Case fatality rates (CFRs) at 30 and 365 days after injury, estimated in the matched sample using multivariable, hierarchical logistic regression models. Results A total of 433 169 Medicare beneficiaries (mean [SD] age, 82.9 [8.3] years; 68.4% female; 91.5% White) were included in the analysis. A total of 206 275 (47.6%) were admitted to non-trauma centers and 161 492 (37.3%) to level I or II trauma centers. Patients with isolated extremity fracture had the fewest deaths (365-day CFR ranged from 16.1% [95% CI, 11.2%-22.4%] to 17.4% [95% CI, 11.8%-24.6%] by trauma center status). Patients with both hip fracture and traumatic brain injury had the most deaths (365-day CFRs ranged from 33.4% [95% CI, 25.8%-42.1%] to 35.8% [95% CI, 28.9%-43.5%]). Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that older adults do not benefit from existing trauma center care, which is designed with younger patients in mind. There is a critical need to improve trauma care practices to address common injury mechanisms and types of injury in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly P. Jarman
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ginger Jin
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joel S. Weissman
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Arlene S. Ash
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worchester
| | - Jennifer Tjia
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worchester
| | - Ali Salim
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Trauma, Burn and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Adil Haider
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zara Cooper
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Trauma, Burn and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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15
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Lin S, Nolan B, Dashi G, Nathens AB. The relative importance of clinical factors in initiating interfacility transfer of major trauma patients: A discrete choice experiment. TRAUMA-ENGLAND 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/14604086211031744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction and Objectives Approximately 30% of patients meeting severe injury criteria are never transferred to lead trauma centers (LTCs). The reasons for this gap are not fully understood but involve both system-level factors and individual decision-making. We used a method called discrete choice modeling (DCM) to evaluate which clinical and demographic patient factors might make emergency physicians more likely to initiate transfers to LTCs. Methods An email survey was distributed to physicians working in emergency departments (EDs) in Ontario. The relative importance of clinical and demographic patient attributes as drivers for transfer was evaluated using DCM. Simulated patient cases were created using a random generator to combine attributes. Each respondent was presented with 36 different patients in sets of three and asked if they would transfer each patient to an LTC. The relative importance of each driver was then compared across physician characteristics. Results One hundred and fifty three emergency physicians completed the survey. The drivers for transfer, expressed as utility scores, were derangements in hemodynamics (22), CNS/head injuries (19), pelvic fractures (11), chest injuries (10), comorbidities (9), abdominal injuries (8), extremity injuries (7), mechanism of injury (7), age (5), and gender (2). Drivers for patient transfer did not differ based on physician experience or type of training. Conclusion In this DCM study, the clinical and demographic factors most likely to make emergency physicians consider patient transfers to LTCs were patient hemodynamic derangements and CNS/head injuries. Overall, these drivers did not differ by physician experience or training. An understanding of such patient-level drivers for transfers to LTCs may improve the implementation of evidence-based interfacility transfer criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brodie Nolan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gerhard Dashi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Avery B Nathens
- Department Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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16
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Boulton AJ, Peel D, Rahman U, Cole E. Evaluation of elderly specific pre-hospital trauma triage criteria: a systematic review. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2021; 29:127. [PMID: 34461976 PMCID: PMC8404299 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-021-00940-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-hospital identification of major trauma in elderly patients is key for delivery of optimal care, however triage of this group is challenging. Elderly-specific triage criteria may be valuable. This systematic review aimed to summarise the published pre-hospital elderly-specific trauma triage tools and evaluate their sensitivity and specificity and associated clinical outcomes. METHODS MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched using predetermined criteria (PROSPERO: CRD42019140879). Two authors independently assessed search results, performed data extraction, risk of bias and quality assessments following the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. RESULTS 801 articles were screened and 11 studies met eligibility criteria, including 1,332,300 patients from exclusively USA populations. There were eight unique elderly-specific triage criteria reported. Most studies retrospectively applied criteria to trauma databases, with few reporting real-world application. The Ohio Geriatric Triage Criteria was reported in three studies. Age cut-off ranged from 55 to 70 years with ≥ 65 most frequently reported. All reported existing adult criteria with modified physiological parameters using higher thresholds for systolic blood pressure and Glasgow coma scale, although the values used varied. Three criteria added co-morbidity or anti-coagulant/anti-platelet use considerations. Modifications to anatomical or mechanism of injury factors were used by only one triage criteria. Criteria sensitivity ranged from 44 to 93%, with a median of 86.3%, whilst specificity was generally poor (median 54%). Scant real-world data showed an increase in patients meeting triage criteria, but minimal changes to patient transport destination and mortality. All studies were at risk of bias and assessed of "very low" or "low" quality. CONCLUSIONS There are several published elderly-specific pre-hospital trauma triage tools in clinical practice, all developed and employed in the USA. Consensus exists for higher thresholds for physiological parameters, however there was variability in age-cut offs, triage criteria content, and tool sensitivity and specificity. Although sensitivity was improved over corresponding 'adult' criteria, specificity remained poor. There is a paucity of published real-world data examining the effect on patient care and clinical outcomes of elderly-specific triage criteria. There is uncertainty over the optimal elderly triage tool and further study is required to better inform practice and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Boulton
- Academic Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care, Pain and Resuscitation, Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B9 5SS, UK.
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
| | - Donna Peel
- Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Usama Rahman
- Academic Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care, Pain and Resuscitation, Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B9 5SS, UK
| | - Elaine Cole
- Centre for Trauma Sciences, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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17
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Eichinger M, Robb HDP, Scurr C, Tucker H, Heschl S, Peck G. Challenges in the PREHOSPITAL emergency management of geriatric trauma patients - a scoping review. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2021; 29:100. [PMID: 34301281 PMCID: PMC8305876 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-021-00922-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite a widely acknowledged increase in older people presenting with traumatic injury in western populations there remains a lack of research into the optimal prehospital management of this vulnerable patient group. Research into this cohort faces many uniqu1e challenges, such as inconsistent definitions, variable physiology, non-linear presentation and multi-morbidity. This scoping review sought to summarise the main challenges in providing prehospital care to older trauma patients to improve the care for this vulnerable group. METHODS AND FINDINGS A scoping review was performed searching Google Scholar, PubMed and Medline from 2000 until 2020 for literature in English addressing the management of older trauma patients in both the prehospital arena and Emergency Department. A thematic analysis and narrative synthesis was conducted on the included 131 studies. Age-threshold was confirmed by a descriptive analysis from all included studies. The majority of the studies assessed triage and found that recognition and undertriage presented a significant challenge, with adverse effects on mortality. We identified six key challenges in the prehospital field that were summarised in this review. CONCLUSIONS Trauma in older people is common and challenges prehospital care providers in numerous ways that are difficult to address. Undertriage and the potential for age bias remain prevalent. In this Scoping Review, we identified and discussed six major challenges that are unique to the prehospital environment. More high-quality evidence is needed to investigate this issue further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Eichinger
- Major Trauma and Cutrale Perioperative and Ageing Group, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Henry Douglas Pow Robb
- Academic Clinical Fellow in General Surgery, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Cosmo Scurr
- Department of Anaesthesia, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Stefan Heschl
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University Hospital, Graz, Austria
| | - George Peck
- Cutrale Peri-operative and Ageing Group, Imperial College London, London, UK
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18
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Sturms LM, Driessen MLS, van Klaveren D, Ten Duis HJ, Kommer GJ, Bloemers FW, den Hartog D, Edwards MJ, Leenhouts PA, van Zutphen S, Schipper IB, Spanjersberg R, Wendt KW, de Wit RJ, Poeze M, Leenen LP, de Jongh M. Dutch trauma system performance: Are injured patients treated at the right place? Injury 2021; 52:1688-1696. [PMID: 34045042 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of trauma systems is to match patient care needs to the capabilities of the receiving centre. Severely injured patients have shown better outcomes if treated in a major trauma centre (MTC). We aimed to evaluate patient distribution in the Dutch trauma system. Furthermore, we sought to identify factors associated with the undertriage and transport of severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score (ISS) >15) to the MTC by emergency medical services (EMS). METHODS Data on all acute trauma admissions in the Netherlands (2015-2016) were extracted from the Dutch national trauma registry. An ambulance driving time model was applied to calculate MTC transport times and transport times of ISS >15 patients to the closest MTC and non-MTC. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with ISS >15 patients' EMS undertriage to an MTC. RESULTS Of the annual average of 78,123 acute trauma admissions, 4.9% had an ISS >15. The nonseverely injured patients were predominantly treated at non-MTCs (79.2%), and 65.4% of patients with an ISS >15 received primary MTC care. This rate varied across the eleven Dutch trauma networks (36.8%-88.4%) and was correlated with the transport times to an MTC (Pearson correlation -0.753, p=0.007). The trauma networks also differed in the rates of secondary transfers of ISS >15 patients to MTC hospitals (7.8% - 59.3%) and definitive MTC care (43.6% - 93.2%). Factors associated with EMS undertriage of ISS >15 patients to the MTC were female sex, older age, severe thoracic and abdominal injury, and longer additional EMS transport times. CONCLUSIONS Approximately one-third of all severely injured patients in the Netherlands are not initially treated at an MTC. Special attention needs to be directed to identifying patient groups with a high risk of undertriage. Furthermore, resources to overcome longer transport times to an MTC, including the availability of ambulance and helicopter services, may improve direct MTC care and result in a decrease in the variation of the undertriage of severely injured patients to MTCs among the Dutch trauma networks. Furthermore, attention needs to be directed to improving primary triage guidelines and instituting uniform interfacility transfer agreements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David van Klaveren
- Erasmus University Medical Centre, Department of Public Health, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk-Jan Ten Duis
- Erasmus University Medical Centre, Department of Public Health, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Jan Kommer
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Frank W Bloemers
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VU, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis den Hartog
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael J Edwards
- Department of Trauma surgery, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter A Leenhouts
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S van Zutphen
- Department of Surgery, ETZ Two Cities Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Inger B Schipper
- Department of Trauma surgery, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Klaus W Wendt
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen
| | - Ralph J de Wit
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Medical Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Poeze
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Luke P Leenen
- Department of Trauma surgery, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mariska de Jongh
- Brabant Trauma Registry, Network Emergency Care Brabant, Tilburg, the Netherlands
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19
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Alshibani A, Alharbi M, Conroy S. Under-triage of older trauma patients in prehospital care: a systematic review. Eur Geriatr Med 2021; 12:903-919. [PMID: 34110604 PMCID: PMC8463357 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-021-00512-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Aim The systematic review aimed to assess the under-triage rate for older trauma patients in prehospital care and its impact on their outcomes. Findings Older trauma patients were significantly under-triaged in prehospital care and the benefits of triaging these patients to Tauma Centres (TCs) are still uncertain. Current triage criteria and developed geriatric-specific criteria lacked acceptable accuracy and when patients met the criteria, they had a low chance of being transported to TCs. Message Future worldwide research is needed to assess the following aspects: (1) the accuracy of current trauma triage criteria, (2) developing more accurate triage criteria, (3) destination compliance rates for patients meeting the triage criteria, (4) factors leading to destination non-compliance and their impact on outcomes, and (5) the benefits of TC access for older trauma patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41999-021-00512-5. Background It is argued that many older trauma patients are under-triaged in prehospital care which may adversely affect their outcomes. This systematic review aimed to assess prehospital under-triage rates for older trauma patients, the accuracy of the triage criteria, and the impact of prehospital triage decisions on outcomes. Methods A computerised literature search using MEDLINE, Scopus, and CINHAL databases was conducted for studies published between 1966 and 2021 using a list of predetermined index terms and their associated alternatives. Studies which met the inclusion criteria were included and critiqued using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, narrative synthesis was used in this systematic review. Results Of the 280 identified studies, 23 met the inclusion criteria. Current trauma triage guidelines have poor sensitivity to identify major trauma and the need for TC care for older adults. Although modified triage tools for this population have improved sensitivity, they showed significantly decreased specificity or were not applied to all older people. The issue of low rates of TC transport for positively triaged older patients is not well understood. Furthermore, the benefits of TC treatment for older patients remain uncertain. Conclusions This systematic review showed that under-triage is an ongoing issue for older trauma patients in prehospital care and its impact on their outcomes is still uncertain. Further high-quality prospective research is needed to assess the accuracy of prehospital triage criteria, the factors other than the triage criteria that affect transport decisions, and the impact of under-triage on outcomes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41999-021-00512-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Alshibani
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7HA, UK. .,Emergency Medical Services Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Meshal Alharbi
- Emergency Medical Services Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Simon Conroy
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7HA, UK
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20
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Alshibani A, Banerjee J, Lecky F, Coats TJ, Alharbi M, Conroy S. New Horizons in Understanding Appropriate Prehospital Identification and Trauma Triage for Older Adults. Open Access Emerg Med 2021; 13:117-135. [PMID: 33814934 PMCID: PMC8009532 DOI: 10.2147/oaem.s297850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Caring for older people is an important part of prehospital practice, including appropriate triage and transportation decisions. However, prehospital triage criteria are designed to predominantly assess injury severity or high-energy mechanism which is not the case for older people who often have injuries compounded by multimorbidity and frailty. This has led to high rates of under-triage in this population. This narrative review aimed to assess aspects other than triage criteria to better understand and improve prehospital triage decisions for older trauma patients. This includes integrating frailty assessment in prehospital trauma triage, which was shown to predict adverse outcomes for older trauma patients. Furthermore, determining appropriate outcome measures and the benefits of Major Trauma Centers (MTCs) for older trauma patients should be considered in order to direct accurate and more beneficial prehospital trauma triage decisions. It is still not clear what are the appropriate outcome measures that should be applied when caring for older trauma patients. There is also no strong consensus about the benefits of MTC access for older trauma patients with regards to survival, in-hospital length of stay, discharge disposition, and complications. Moreover, looking into factors other than triage criteria such as distance to MTCs, patient or relative choice, training, unfamiliarity with protocols, and possible ageism, which were shown to impact prehospital triage decisions but their impact on outcomes has not been investigated yet, should be more actively assessed and investigated for this population. Therefore, this paper aimed to discuss the available evidence around frailty assessment in prehospital care, appropriate outcome measures for older trauma patients, the benefits of MTC access for older patients, and factors other than triage criteria that could adversely impact accurate prehospital triage decisions for older trauma patients. It also provided several suggestions for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Alshibani
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.,Emergency Medical Services Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jay Banerjee
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.,University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Fiona Lecky
- Centre for Urgent and Emergency Care Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Timothy J Coats
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Meshal Alharbi
- Emergency Medical Services Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Simon Conroy
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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21
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Fuller G, Pandor A, Essat M, Sabir L, Buckley-Woods H, Chatha H, Holt C, Keating S, Turner J. Diagnostic accuracy of prehospital triage tools for identifying major trauma in elderly injured patients: A systematic review. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2021; 90:403-412. [PMID: 33502151 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000003039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults with major trauma are frequently undertriaged, increasing the risk of preventable morbidity and mortality. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of prehospital triage tools to identify suspected elderly trauma patients in need of specialized trauma care. METHODS Several electronic databases (including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library) were searched from inception to February 2019. Prospective or retrospective diagnostic studies were eligible if they examined prehospital triage tools as index tests (either scored theoretically using observed patient variables or evaluated according to actual paramedic transport decisions) compared with a reference standard for major trauma in elderly adults who require transport by paramedics following injury. Selection of studies, data extraction, and risk of bias assessments using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool were undertaken independently by at least two reviewers. Narrative synthesis was used to summarize the findings. RESULTS Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria, with 11 studies examining theoretical accuracy, three evaluating real-life transport decisions, and one assessing both (of 21 individual index tests). Estimates for sensitivity and specificity were highly variable with sensitivity estimates ranging from 19.8% to 95.5% and 57.7% to 83.3% for theoretical accuracy and real life triage performance, respectively. Specificity results were similarly diverse ranging from 17.0% to 93.1% for theoretical accuracy and 46.3% to 78.9% for actual paramedic decisions. Most studies had unclear or high risk of bias and applicability concerns. There were no obvious differences between different triage tools, and findings did not appear to vary systematically with major trauma prevalence, age, alternative reference standards, study designs, or setting. CONCLUSION Existing prehospital triage tools may not accurately identify elderly patients with serious injury. Future work should focus on more relevant reference standards, establishing the best trade-off between undertriage and overtriage, optimizing the role prehospital clinician judgment, and further developing geriatric specific triage variables and thresholds. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Systematic review, level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Fuller
- From the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
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22
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Lucarelli-Antunes PDES, Pivetta LGA, Parreira JG, Assef JCÉ. Trauma quality indicators: a way to identify attention points in the treatment of elderly trauma patients. Rev Col Bras Cir 2020; 47:e20202533. [PMID: 32844914 DOI: 10.1590/0100-6991e-20202533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE to trauma quality indicators as a tool to identify opportunities of improvement in elderly trauma patient's' treatment. METHODS prospective analysis of data collected between 2014-2015, and stored in the iTreg software (by Ecossistemas). Trauma victims, aged older than 60 years and trauma quality indicators were assessed, based on those supported by SBAIT in 2013: (F1) Acute subdural hematoma drainage after 4 hours from admission, in patients with GCS<9; (F2) emergency room transference without definitive airway and GCS <9; (F3) Re-intubation within 48 hours from extubation; (F4) Admission-laparotomy time greater than 60 min. in hemodynamically uinstable patients with abdominal bleeding; (F5) Unprogrammed reoperation; (F6) Laparotomy after 4 hours from admission; (F7) Unfixed femur diaphyseal fracture; (F8) Non-operative treatment for abdominal gunshot; (F9) Admission-tibial exposure fracture treatment time greater than 6 hours; (F10) Surgery after 24 from admission. The indicators, treatments, adverse effects and deaths were analyzed, using the SPSS software, and the chi-squared and Fisher tests were used to calculate the statistical relevance. RESULTS from the 92 cases, 36 (39,1%) had complications and 15 (16,3%) died. The adequate use of quality indicator's were substantially different among those who survived (was of 12%) compared to those who died (55,6%). The incidence of complications was of 77,8% (7/9) in patients with compromised indicators and 34,9% (28/83) in those without (p=0.017). CONCLUSIONS trauma quality indicators are directly related with the occurrence of complications and deaths, in elderly trauma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - JosÉ CÉsar Assef
- Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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23
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Magnusson C, Herlitz J, Axelsson C. Pre-hospital triage performance and emergency medical services nurse's field assessment in an unselected patient population attended to by the emergency medical services: a prospective observational study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2020; 28:81. [PMID: 32807224 PMCID: PMC7430123 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-020-00766-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Sweden, the rapid emergency triage and treatment system (RETTS-A) is used in the pre-hospital setting. With RETTS-A, patients triaged to the lowest level could safely be referred to a lower level of care. The national early warning score (NEWS) has also shown promising results internationally. However, a knowledge gap in optimal triage in the pre-hospital setting persists. This study aimed to evaluate RETTS-A performance, compare RETTS-A with NEWS and NEWS 2, and evaluate the emergency medical service (EMS) nurse's field assessment with the physician's final hospital diagnosis. METHODS A prospective, observational study including patients (≥16 years old) transported to hospital by the Gothenburg EMS in 2016. Three comparisons were made: 1) Combined RETTS-A levels orange and red (high acuity) compared to a predefined reference emergency, 2) RETTS-A high acuity compared to NEWS and NEWS 2 score ≥ 5, and 3) Classification of pre-hospital nurse's field assessment compared to hospital physician's diagnosis. Outcomes of the time-sensitive conditions, mortality and hospitalisation were examined. The statistical tests included Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test, and several binary classification tests were determined. RESULTS Overall, 4465 patients were included (median age 69 years; 52% women). High acuity RETTS-A triage showed a sensitivity of 81% in prediction of the reference patient with a specificity of 64%. Sensitivity in detecting a time-sensitive condition was highest with RETTS-A (73%), compared with NEWS (37%) and NEWS 2 (35%), and specificity was highest with NEWS 2 (83%) when compared with RETTS-A (54%). The negative predictive value was higher in RETTS-A (94%) compared to NEWS (91%) and NEWS 2 (92%). Eleven per cent of the final diagnoses were classified as time-sensitive while the nurse's field assessment was appropriate in 84% of these cases. CONCLUSIONS In the pre-hospital triage of EMS patients, RETTS-A showed sensitivity that was twice as high as that of both NEWS and NEWS 2 in detecting time-sensitive conditions, at the expense of lower specificity. However, the proportion of correctly classified low risk triaged patients (green/yellow) was higher in RETTS-A. The nurse's field assessment of time-sensitive conditions was appropriate in the majority of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Magnusson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Johan Herlitz
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Pre Hospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Christer Axelsson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Pre Hospen-Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
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24
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Comorbidities, anticoagulants, and geriatric-specific physiology for the field triage of injured older adults. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2020; 86:829-837. [PMID: 30629015 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000002195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comorbid conditions and anticoagulants have been considered as field triage criteria to raise the sensitivity for identifying seriously injured older adults, but research is sparse. We evaluated the utility of comorbidities, anticoagulant use, and geriatric-specific physiologic measures to improve the sensitivity of the field triage guidelines for high-risk older adults in the out-of-hospital setting. METHODS This was a cohort study of injured adults 65 years or older transported by 44 emergency medical services agencies to 51 trauma and nontrauma hospitals in seven Oregon and Washington counties from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011. Out-of-hospital predictors included current field triage criteria, 13 comorbidities, preinjury anticoagulant use, and previously developed geriatric specific physiologic measures. The primary outcome (high-risk patients) was Injury Severity Score of 16 or greater or need for major nonorthopedic surgical intervention. We used binary recursive partitioning to develop a clinical decision rule with a target sensitivity of 95% or greater. RESULTS There were 5,021 older adults, of which 320 (6.4%) had Injury Severity Score of 16 or greater or required major nonorthopedic surgery. Of the 2,639 patients with preinjury medication history available, 400 (15.2%) were taking an anticoagulant. Current field triage practices were 36.6% sensitive (95% confidence interval [CI], 31.2%-42.0%) and 90.1% specific (95% CI, 89.2%-91.0%) for high-risk patients. Recursive partitioning identified (in order): any current field triage criteria, Glasgow Coma Scale score of 14 or less, geriatric-specific vital signs, and comorbidity count of 2 or more. Anticoagulant use was not identified as a predictor variable. The new criteria were 90.3% sensitive (95% CI, 86.8%-93.7%) and 17.0% specific (95% CI, 15.8%-18.1%). CONCLUSIONS The current field triage guidelines have poor sensitivity for high-risk older adults. Adding comorbidity information and geriatric-specific physiologic measures improved sensitivity, with a decrement in specificity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic/Epidemiologic, level II.
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25
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Internet Intervention System for Elderly Hypertensive Patients Based on Hospital Community Family Edge Network and Personal Medical Resources Optimization. J Med Syst 2020; 44:95. [DOI: 10.1007/s10916-020-01554-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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26
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Yadollahi M, Kashkooe A, Rezaiee R, Jamali K, Niakan MH. A Comparative Study of Injury Severity Scales as Predictors of Mortality in Trauma Patients: Which Scale Is the Best? Bull Emerg Trauma 2020; 8:27-33. [PMID: 32201699 PMCID: PMC7071938 DOI: 10.29252/beat-080105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To compare the injury severity scales as predictors of mortality in trauma patients to search for the best scale. Methods: In a prospective cohort study and systematical random sampling conducted from March to September 2017, trauma patients over the age of 13 years were enrolled. The investigated variables were age, gender, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, injured body region, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), injury severity score (ISS), revised trauma score (RTS), trauma injury severity score (TRISS) and the outcome. Results: Totally, 1410 trauma patients were followed up, out of which 68.5% were male. The participants’ mean age was 43.5±20.88 years. After adjusting the confounding effects, age over 60 years (OR=7.38, CI [3.91-13.93]), GCS<8 (OR=6.5, CI [2.38-18.16]), RTS<7.6 (OR=6.04, CI [2-13.7]), and TRISS<0.9 (OR=3.09, CI [1.39-6.88]) were determined as the most significant predictor variables for in-hospital mortality. The results of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that TRISS had the highest area under the curve in comparison to other tests that were evaluated. Furthermore, TRISS had the highest sensitivity and specificity for scores higher than 96.15. By contrast, the sensitivity and specificity of GCS decreased for scores higher than 5.5. Conclusion: Our results showed that TRISS, RTS, GCS, and ISS were all very effective approaches for evaluating prognosis, mortality and probable complications in trauma patients; thus, these systems of injury evaluation and scoring are recommended to facilitate treatment. TRISS, RTS, and ISS had almost the same sensitivity that was higher than GCS, but GCS had the most specificity. Finally, TRISS was selected as the most efficient scale for predicting mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Yadollahi
- Trauma Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Kashkooe
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Rezaiee
- Trauma Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kazem Jamali
- Trauma Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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27
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Fröhlich M, Caspers M, Lefering R, Driessen A, Bouillon B, Maegele M, Wafaisade A. Do elderly trauma patients receive the required treatment? Epidemiology and outcome of geriatric trauma patients treated at different levels of trauma care. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2019; 46:1463-1469. [PMID: 31844920 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-019-01285-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In an ageing society, geriatric trauma displays an increasing challenge in trauma care. Due to comorbidities and reduced physiologic reserves, these patients might benefit from an immediate specialised care. The current study aims to clarify the prevalence and outcome of geriatric trauma depending on the level of the primary trauma centre. METHODS Data sets of 124,641 patients entered in the TR-DGU between 2009 and 2016 were included. Geriatric trauma was defined above 65 years and ISS ≥ 9. Analysing the prevalence, the age structure of all trauma cases registered in 2014 was compared to demographic data of the German Federal Statistical Office. Differences in injury pattern, in-hospital care and outcome between the primary levels of care were analysed. RESULTS In comparison to their share of population, geriatric patients are highly overrepresented in the TR-DGU. Despite minor injury mechanisms, severe head injuries are common. A tendency to under-triage can be observed, as level II and III trauma centres receive a higher percentage of older patients. Nevertheless, there is no effect on the mortality. 10% of these patients require an early transfer to a higher levelled trauma centres mainly due to severe head and spine injuries. Surprisingly, pre-clinical available signs such as GCS or blood pressure were not altered in these patients. CONCLUSION Patients above the age of 65 years represent a second group with high risk for traumatic injuries besides younger adults. Despite low-energy trauma mechanisms, these patients are prone to suffer from severe injuries, which require specialised care. Current admission practice appears adequate, as pre-clinical available symptoms did not correlate with injuries that demanded an early inter-hospital transfer. Specialised geriatric triage scores might further improve admission practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Fröhlich
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, Cologne-Merheim Medical Centre (CMMC), University of Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimerstr.200, 51109, Cologne, Germany. .,Institute for Research in Operative Medicine (IFOM), Cologne Merheim Medical Center (CMMC), University of Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimerstr.200, 51109, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Michael Caspers
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, Cologne-Merheim Medical Centre (CMMC), University of Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimerstr.200, 51109, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Research in Operative Medicine (IFOM), Cologne Merheim Medical Center (CMMC), University of Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimerstr.200, 51109, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rolf Lefering
- Institute for Research in Operative Medicine (IFOM), Cologne Merheim Medical Center (CMMC), University of Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimerstr.200, 51109, Cologne, Germany
| | - Arne Driessen
- Department of Orthopedics, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Bertil Bouillon
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, Cologne-Merheim Medical Centre (CMMC), University of Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimerstr.200, 51109, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marc Maegele
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, Cologne-Merheim Medical Centre (CMMC), University of Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimerstr.200, 51109, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Research in Operative Medicine (IFOM), Cologne Merheim Medical Center (CMMC), University of Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimerstr.200, 51109, Cologne, Germany
| | - Arasch Wafaisade
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, Cologne-Merheim Medical Centre (CMMC), University of Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimerstr.200, 51109, Cologne, Germany
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Crash Telemetry-Based Injury Severity Prediction is Equivalent to or Out-Performs Field Protocols in Triage of Planar Vehicle Collisions. Prehosp Disaster Med 2019; 34:356-362. [PMID: 31322099 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x19004515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With the increasing availability of vehicle telemetry technology, there is great potential for Advanced Automatic Collision Notification (AACN) systems to improve trauma outcomes by detecting patients at-risk for severe injury and facilitating early transport to trauma centers. METHODS National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System (NASS-CDS) data from 1999-2013 were used to construct a logistic regression model (injury severity prediction [ISP] model) predicting the probability that one or more occupants in planar, non-rollover motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) would have Injury Severity Score (ISS) 15+ injuries. Variables included principal direction of force (PDOF), change in velocity (Delta-V), multiple impacts, presence of any older occupant (≥55 years old), presence of any female occupant, presence of right-sided passenger, belt use, and vehicle type. The model was validated using medical records and 2008-2011 crash data from AACN-enabled Michigan (USA) vehicles identified from OnStar (OnStar Corporation; General Motors; Detroit, Michigan USA) records. To compare the ISP to previously established protocols, a literature search was performed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of first responder identification of ISS 15+ for MVC occupants. RESULTS The study population included 924 occupants in 836 crash events. The ISP model had a sensitivity of 72.7% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 41%-91%) and specificity of 93% (95% CI 92%-95%) for identifying ISS 15+ occupants injured in planar MVCs. The current standard 2006 Field Triage Decision Scheme (FTDS) was 56%-66% sensitive and 75%-88% specific in identifying ISS 15+ patients. CONCLUSIONS The ISP algorithm comparably is more sensitive and more specific than current field triage in identifying MVC patients at-risk for ISS 15+ injuries. This real-world field study shows telemetry data transmitted before dispatch of emergency medical systems can be helpful to quickly identify patients who require urgent transfer to trauma centers.
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Garwe T, Stewart KE, Newgard CD, Stoner JA, Sacra JC, Cody P, Oluborode B, Albrecht RM. Survival Benefit of Treatment at or Transfer to a Tertiary Trauma Center among Injured Older Adults. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2019; 24:245-256. [PMID: 31211622 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2019.1632997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: It is well established that seriously injured older adults are under-triaged to tertiary trauma centers. However, the survival benefit of tertiary trauma centers (TC) compared to a non-tertiary trauma centers (Non-TCs) remains unclear for this patient population. Using improved methodology and a larger sample, we hypothesized that there was a difference in hospital mortality between injured older adults treated at TCs and those treated at Non-TCs. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of injured older adults (> =55 years) reported to the Oklahoma statewide trauma registry between 2005 and 2014. The outcome of interest was 30-day in-hospital mortality and the exposure variable of interest was level of definitive trauma care (TC vs Non-TC). Overall survival benefit of treatment at a TC as well as the survival benefit of transferring injured older adults to a TC were evaluated using multivariable survival analyses as well as propensity score-adjusted analyses. Results: Of the 25,288 patients eligible for analysis, 43% (10,927) were treated at TCs. Multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed effect modification by age group and time. After adjusting for potential confounders within the age strata, overall, patients treated at TCs were significantly less likely to die within 7 days of admission and this effect was stronger for patients aged 55-64 years (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.31-0.52) compared to those > =65 years (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.55-0.70). Overall survival benefit of TCs beyond 7 days was also observed (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.56-0.83). Similarly, for the survival benefit of transferring injured older adults, after adjusting for the propensity to be transferred and other confounders, transfer to a TC was associated with lower 30-day mortality both for patients less than 65 years old (HR 0.36, 95% CI: 0.27-0.49) and those 65 years and older (HR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.48-0.64). Conclusions: Our results suggest a survival benefit for injured older adults treated at TCs. This benefit was also observed for patients transferred from non-tertiary trauma centers. Further research should focus on identifying specific subgroups of patients who would especially benefit from this level of care to minimize trauma triage inefficiencies.
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30
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Hung KKC, Yeung JH, Cheung CS, Leung LY, Cheng RC, Cheung N, Graham CA. Trauma team activation criteria and outcomes of geriatric trauma: 10 year single centre cohort study. Am J Emerg Med 2019; 37:450-456. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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31
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Platts-Mills TF, Staudenmayer K. The Applied Mathematics of the Geriatric Trauma Evaluation. Ann Emerg Med 2019; 73:291-293. [PMID: 30797294 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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32
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Mason MD, Spilman SK, Fuchsen EA, Olson SD, Sidwell RA, Swegle JR, Sahr SM. Anticoagulated Trauma Patients: A Level I Trauma Center's Response to a Growing Geriatric Population. J Emerg Med 2018; 53:458-466. [PMID: 29079066 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2017.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injured older adults often receive delayed care in the emergency department (ED) because they do not meet criteria for trauma team activation (TTA). This is particularly dangerous for the increasing number of patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet (AC/AP) medication at the time of injury. OBJECTIVES The present study examined improvements in processes of care and triage accuracy when TTA criteria include an escalated response for older anticoagulated patients. METHODS A retrospective study was performed at a Level I trauma center. The study population (referred to as A55) included patients aged 55 years or older who were taking an AC/AP medication at the time of injury. Study periods included 11 months prior to the criteria change (Phase 1: July 2013-May 2014; n = 107) and 11 months after the change (Phase 2: July 2014-May 2015; n = 211). Differences were assessed with Kruskal-Wallis and chi-squared tests. RESULTS More A55 patients received a full or limited TTA after criteria were revised (70% vs. 26%, p < 0.001). Undertriage was reduced from 13% to 2% (p < 0.001). The trauma center significantly decreased time to first laboratory result, time to first computed tomography scan, and total time in ED prior to admission for A55 patients arriving from the scene of injury or by private vehicle. CONCLUSION Criteria that escalated the trauma response for A55 patients led to reductions in undertriage for anticoagulated older adults, as well as more timely mobilization of important clinical resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Mason
- General Surgery Residency Program, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa
| | | | | | | | - Richard A Sidwell
- General Surgery Residency Program, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa; Trauma Services, UnityPoint Health, Des Moines, Iowa; The Iowa Clinic, Des Moines, Iowa
| | - James R Swegle
- Trauma Services, UnityPoint Health, Des Moines, Iowa; The Iowa Clinic, Des Moines, Iowa
| | - Sheryl M Sahr
- Trauma Services, UnityPoint Health, Des Moines, Iowa; The Iowa Clinic, Des Moines, Iowa
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Cho HJ, Hong TH, Kim M. Physical and nutrition statuses of geriatric patients after trauma-related hospitalization: Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2015. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e0034. [PMID: 29489652 PMCID: PMC5851728 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Population aging is associated with increasing numbers of geriatric trauma patients, and various studies have evaluated their short-term outcomes, assessment, and treatment. However, there is insufficient information regarding their long-term outcomes. This study evaluated the physical and nutritional statuses of geriatric patients after trauma-related hospitalization.Data regarding physical and nutritional status were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI (2013-2015).A total of 21,069 individuals participated in the survey, including 5650 geriatric individuals. After excluding individuals with missing data, 3731 cases were included in the analyses. The average age was 68 years, and most individuals were women (n = 2055, 55.08%). There were 94 patients had been hospitalized because of trauma. Trauma-related hospitalization among geriatric patients was significantly associated with reduced strength exercise (23.56% vs 12.99%, P = .043), activity limitations caused by joint pain (0.65% vs 3.31%, P = .028), self-care problems (8.00% vs 16.77%, P = .008), pain or discomfort (29.48% vs 40.51%, P = .024), hypercholesterolemia (27.37% vs 39.36%, P = .037), and mastication discomfort (39.98% vs 57.85% P = .005). The adjusted analyses revealed that trauma-related hospitalization was independently associated with activity limitations caused by joint pain (odds ratio [OR]: 5.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-19.67, P = .020), self-care problems (OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.11-4.53, P = .025), pain or discomfort (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.08-2.89, P = .023), and mastication discomfort (OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.22-3.46, P = .007).Medical staff should be aware that geriatric patients have relatively poor physical and nutritional statuses after trauma-related hospitalization, and manage these patients accordingly.
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Nolan B, Ackery A, Nathens A, Sawadsky B, Tien H. Canceled to Be Called Back: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Canceled Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Scene Calls That Are Later Transferred to a Trauma Center. Air Med J 2018; 37:108-114. [PMID: 29478574 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In our trauma system, helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) can be requested to attend a scene call for an injured patient before arrival by land paramedics. Land paramedics can cancel this response if they deem it unnecessary. The purpose of this study is to describe the frequency of canceled HEMS scene calls that were subsequently transferred to 2 trauma centers and to assess for any impact on morbidity and mortality. METHODS Probabilistic matching was used to identify canceled HEMS scene call patients who were later transported to 2 trauma centers over a 48-month period. Registry data were used to compare canceled scene call patients with direct from scene patients. RESULTS There were 290 requests for HEMS scene calls, of which 35.2% were canceled. Of those canceled, 24.5% were later transported to our trauma centers. Canceled scene call patients were more likely to be older and to be discharged home from the trauma center without being admitted. CONCLUSION There is a significant amount of undertriage of patients for whom an HEMS response was canceled and later transported to a trauma center. These patients face similar morbidity and mortality as patients who are brought directly from scene to a trauma center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brodie Nolan
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Alun Ackery
- St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Avery Nathens
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bruce Sawadsky
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Homer Tien
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Granström A, Strömmer L, Schandl A, Östlund A. A criteria-directed protocol for in-hospital triage of trauma patients. Eur J Emerg Med 2018; 25:25-31. [PMID: 27043772 PMCID: PMC5753828 DOI: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better match hospital resources to patients' needs of trauma care, a protocol for facilitating in-hospital triage decisions was implemented at a Swedish level I trauma centre. In the protocol, physiological parameters, anatomical injuries and mechanism of injury were documented, and used to activate full or limited trauma team response. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the criteria-directed protocol to determine in-hospital trauma triage in an emergency department. METHODS Level of triage and triage rates were compared before and after implementation of the protocol. Overtriage and undertriage were assessed with injury severity score higher than 15 as the cutoff for defining major trauma. Medical records for undertriaged patients were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS In 2011, 78% of 1408 trauma team activations required full trauma response, with an overtriage rate of 74% and an undertriage rate of 7%. In 2013, after protocol implementation, 58% of 1466 trauma team activations required full trauma response. Overtriage was reduced to 52% and undertriage was increased to 10%. However, there were no preventable deaths in the undertriaged patients. CONCLUSION A criteria-directed protocol for use in the emergency department was efficient in reducing overtriage rates without risking undertriaged patients' safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Granström
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Surgical Services and Intensive Care Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
| | - Lovisa Strömmer
- Department of Clinical Science, Division of Surgery, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Schandl
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Surgical Services and Intensive Care Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
| | - Anders Östlund
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Surgical Services and Intensive Care Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital
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Abstract
Old age is a risk factor for poor outcome in trauma patients, as a result of undertriage and the presence of occult life-threatening injuries. The mechanisms of injury for geriatric trauma differ from those in younger patients, with a much higher incidence of low-impact trauma, especially falls from a low height. Frailty is a risk factor for severe injury after minor trauma, and caring for these patients require a multidisciplinary team with both trauma and geriatric expertise. With early recognition and aggressive management, severe injuries can still be associated with good outcomes, even in very elderly patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hruska
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Toralph Ruge
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Garwe T, Stewart K, Stoner J, Newgard CD, Scott M, Zhang Y, Cathey T, Sacra J, Albrecht RM. Out-of-hospital and Inter-hospital Under-triage to Designated Tertiary Trauma Centers among Injured Older Adults: A 10-year Statewide Geospatial-Adjusted Analysis. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2017; 21:734-743. [PMID: 28661712 PMCID: PMC5668189 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2017.1332123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While out-of-hospital under-triage of seriously injured older adults to tertiary trauma centers has long been acknowledged, no study has adjusted for place of injury or evaluated the extent of inter-facility under-triage. We sought to determine distance and confounder adjusted odds of treatment at a tertiary trauma center (TTC) for older adult trauma patients compared to younger trauma patients, for patients transported from the scene of injury and those transferred from a non-tertiary trauma (NTTC) center. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from a statewide trauma registry reported over a 10-year period (2005-14). The outcome of interest was treatment at an American College of Surgeons or state-designated Level I/II trauma center (TTC). The predictor variable of interest was age group (> = 55 years vs. < 55 years). Covariates of interest included patient demographics, clinical characteristics and various distance measures calculated based on the patient's injury location. RESULTS 84 930 patients met study criteria. Of these 42% (35659) were 55 years and older with an average age of 74 years (SD, 11.6). Older adult patients were on average, injured slightly farther away from a TTC (median distance, 34 vs. 29 miles, p < 0.001). Among patients initially presenting to NTTCs, older adults were significantly more likely to be transferred to another NTTC (53% vs. 34%). After adjusting for confounders and distance measures, older adults were less likely to be treated at TTCs overall (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.52-0.56), whether transported by EMS from the scene of injury (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.44-0.50) or via inter-facility transfer (OR = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.59-0.68). CONCLUSIONS Injured older adults face significant under-triage to TTCs whether by EMS from the scene of injury or via transfer from NTTCs. Adjusting for proximity of injury to a TTC does not alter these findings.
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Newgard CD, Platts-Mills TF. Can an Out-of-Hospital Medication History Save Lives for Injured Older Adults? Ann Emerg Med 2017; 70:139-141. [PMID: 28363397 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Craig D Newgard
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, the Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.
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Flottemesch TJ, Raetzman S, Heslin KC, Fingar K, Coffey R, Barrett M, Moy E. Age-related Disparities in Trauma Center Access for Severe Head Injuries Following the Release of the Updated Field Triage Guidelines. Acad Emerg Med 2017; 24:447-457. [PMID: 27992953 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 2006, the American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released field triage guidelines with special consideration for older adults. Additional considerations for direct transport to a Level I or II trauma center (TC) were added in 2011, reflecting perceived undertriage to TCs for older adults. We examined whether age-based disparities in TC care for severe head injury decreased following introduction of the 2011 revisions. METHODS A pre-post design analyzing the 2009 and 2012 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Emergency Department Databases and State Inpatient Databases with multivariable logistic regressions considered changes in 1) the trauma designation of the emergency department where treatment was initiated and 2) transfer to a TC following initial treatment at a non-TC. RESULTS Compared with adults aged 18 to 44 years, after multivariable adjustment, in both years TC care was less likely for adults aged 45 to 64 years (odds ratio [OR] = 0.76 in 2009 and 0.74 in 2012), aged 65 to 84 years (OR = 0.61 and 0.59), and aged 85+ years (OR = 0.53 and 0.56). Between 2009 and 2012, the likelihood of TC care increased for all age groups, with the largest increase among those aged 85+ years (OR = 1.18), which was statistically different (p = 0.02) from the increase among adults aged 18 to 44 years (OR = 1.12). The analysis of transfers yielded similar results. CONCLUSIONS Although patterns of increased TC treatment for all groups with severe head trauma indicate improvements, age-based disparities persisted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ernest Moy
- Dr. Moy is currently with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta GA
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Abstract
Within the next 15 years, 1 in 5 Americans will be over age 65. $34 billion will be spent yearly on trauma care of this age group. This section covers situations in trauma unique to the geriatric population, who are often under-triaged and have significant injuries underestimated. Topics covered include age-related pathophysiological changes, underlying existing medical conditions and certain daily medications that increase the risk of serious injury in elderly trauma patients. Diagnostic evaluation of this group requires liberal testing, imaging, and a multidisciplinary team approach. Topics germane to geriatric trauma including hypothermia, elder abuse, and depression and suicide are also covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper Reske-Nielsen
- Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Dowling 1 South, One Boston Medical Center Place, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Ron Medzon
- Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Dowling 1 South, One Boston Medical Center Place, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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Hogan TM, Richmond NL, Carpenter CR, Biese K, Hwang U, Shah MN, Escobedo M, Berman A, Broder JS, Platts-Mills TF. Shared Decision Making to Improve the Emergency Care of Older Adults: A Research Agenda. Acad Emerg Med 2016; 23:1386-1393. [PMID: 27561819 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Older emergency department patients have high rates of serious illness and injury, are at high risk for side effects and adverse events from treatments and diagnostic tests, and in many cases, have nuanced goals of care in which pursuing the most aggressive approach is not desired. Although some forms of shared decision making (SDM) are commonly practiced by emergency physicians caring for older adults, broader use of SDM in this setting is limited by a lack of knowledge of the types of patients and conditions for which SDM is most helpful and the approaches and tools that can best facilitate this process. We describe a research agenda to generate new knowledge to optimize the use of SDM during the emergency care of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalie L. Richmond
- School of Medicine; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC
| | | | - Kevin Biese
- Department of Emergency Medicine; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC
| | - Ula Hwang
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York NY
| | - Manish N. Shah
- Department of Emergency Medicine; University of Wisconsin; Madison WI
| | | | - Amy Berman
- John A. Hartford Foundation; New York NY
| | | | - Timothy F. Platts-Mills
- Department of Emergency Medicine and the Department of Anesthesiology; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC
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Platts-Mills TF, Evans CS, Brice JH. Prehospital Triage of Injured Older Adults: Thinking Slow Inside the Golden Hour. J Am Geriatr Soc 2016; 64:1941-1943. [PMID: 27556573 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy F Platts-Mills
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Christopher S Evans
- Department of Public Health Leadership, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Jane H Brice
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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