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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) as a predictor of long-term outcomes after injury. BACKGROUND The SVI is a measure used in emergency preparedness to identify need for resources in the event of a disaster or hazardous event, ranking each census tract on 15 demographic/social factors. METHODS Moderate-severely injured adult patients treated at one of three level-1 trauma centers were prospectively followed six to 14 months post-injury. These data were matched at the census tract level with overall SVI percentile rankings. Patients were stratified based on SVI quartiles, with the lowest quartile designated as low SVI, the middle two quartiles as average SVI, and the highest quartile as high SVI. Multivariable adjusted regression models were used to assess whether SVI was associated with long-term outcomes after injury. RESULTS A total of 3,153 patients were included [54% male, mean age 61.6 (SD = 21.6)]. The median overall SVI percentile rank was 35th (IQR: 16th-65th). Compared to low SVI patients, high SVI patients were more likely to have new functional limitations (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.19-1.92), to not have returned to work (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.40-2.89), and to screen positive for PTSD (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.12-2.17). Similar results were obtained when comparing average with low SVI patients, with average SVI patients having significantly worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The SVI has potential utility in predicting individuals at higher risk for adverse long-term outcomes after injury. This measure may be a useful needs assessment tool for clinicians and researchers in identifying communities that may benefit most from targeted prevention and intervention efforts.
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Broecker JS, Ryan J, McCracken J, Langland-Orban B, Botty Van den Bruele A, Yorkgitis BK, Pracht E, Crandall M. Disparities in Demographics and Outcomes Based on Trauma Center Ownership. J Surg Res 2022; 273:132-137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine the proportion and characteristics of traumatic injury survivors who perceive a negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their recovery and to define post-injury outcomes for this cohort. BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated physical, psychological, and social stressors that may create a uniquely difficult recovery and reintegration environment for injured patients. METHODS Adult (≥18 years) survivors of moderate-to-severe injury completed a survey 6-14 months post-injury during the COVID-19 pandemic. This survey queried individuals about the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on injury recovery and assessed post-injury functional and mental health outcomes. Regression models were built to identify factors associated with a perceived negative impact of the pandemic on injury recovery, and to define the relationship between these perceptions and long-term outcomes. RESULTS Of 597 eligible trauma survivors who were contacted, 403 (67.5%) completed the survey. Twenty-nine percent reported that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted their recovery and 24% reported difficulty accessing needed healthcare. Younger age, lower perceived-socioeconomic status (SES), extremity injury, and prior psychiatric illness were independently associated with negative perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on injury recovery. In adjusted analyses, patients who reported a negative impact of the pandemic on their recovery were more likely to have new functional limitations, daily pain, lower physical and mental component scores of the SF-12 and to screen positive for PTSD and depression. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic is negatively impacting the recovery of trauma survivors. It is essential that we recognize the impact of the pandemic on injured patients while focusing on directed efforts to improve the long-term outcomes of this already at-risk population.
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Tsai SHL, Osgood GM, Canner JK, Mehmood A, Owodunni O, Su CY, Fu TS, Haut ER. Trauma Center Outcomes After Transition From Level 2 to Level 1: A National Trauma Data Bank Analysis. J Surg Res 2021; 264:499-509. [PMID: 33857794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous US-based studies have shown that a trauma center designation of level 1 is associated with improved patient outcomes. However, most studies are cross-sectional, focus on volume-related issues and are direct comparisons between levels. This study investigates the change in patient characteristics when individual trauma centers transition from level 2 to level 1 and whether the patients have similar outcomes during the initial period of the transition. STUDY DESIGN We performed a retrospective cohort study that analyzed hospital and patient records included in the National Trauma Data Bank from 2007 to 2016. Patient characteristics were compared before and after their hospitals transitioned their trauma level. Mortality; complications including acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cardiac arrest with CPR, deep surgical site infection, deep vein thrombosis, extremity compartment syndrome, surgical site infection, osteomyelitis, pulmonary embolism, and so on; ICU admission; ventilation use; unplanned returns to the OR; unplanned ICU transfers; unplanned intubations; and lengths of stay were obtained following propensity score matching, comparing posttransition years with the last pretransition year. RESULTS Sixteen trauma centers transitioned from level 2 to level 1 between 2007 and 2016. One was excluded due to missing data. After transition, patient characteristics showed differences in the distribution of race, comorbidities, insurance status, injury severity scores, injury mechanisms, and injury type. After propensity score matching, patients treated in a trauma center after transition from level 2 to 1 required significantly fewer ICU admissions and had lower complication rates. However, significantly more unplanned intubations, unplanned returns to the OR, unplanned ICU transfers, ventilation use, surgical site infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections and higher mortality were reported after the transition. CONCLUSIONS Trauma centers that transitioned from level 2 to level 1 had lower overall complications, with fewer patients requiring ICU admission. However, higher mortality and more surgical site infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, unplanned intubations, and unplanned ICU transfers were reported after the transition. These findings may have significant implications in the planning of trauma systems for administrators and healthcare leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Huang Laurent Tsai
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Greg Michael Osgood
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joseph K Canner
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Amber Mehmood
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Health Systems Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Maryland
| | - Oluwafemi Owodunni
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chun-Yi Su
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Sheng Fu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Elliott Richard Haut
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Spinopelvic Dissociation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2021; 29:e198-e207. [PMID: 32453011 DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-19-00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinopelvic dissociation is a rare type of injury which occurs in approximately 2.9% of pelvic disruptions and correlates with high-energy trauma.The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the incidence, demographics, treatment, clinical outcome, and complication rate associated with these injuries. METHODS A literature review on Medline, PubMed, and Google was performed. Overall, 216 abstracts were reviewed in English, German, and French, of which 50 articles were included. RESULTS Within the 50 studies, 19 publications were case reports and 16 were case series with low-level evidence. Overall, 379 patients with spinopelvic dissociation were identified at a mean age of 31.6 ± 11.6 years and an injury severity score of 23.1 ± 3.8 between 1969 and 2018. Most cases were related to fall from heights (55.7%), followed by road accidents (28.5%). Two hundred fifty-eight patients (68.1%) showed neurologic impairment at initial presentation, which improved in 65.1% after surgery. The treatment of choice was surgery in 93.1% of cases with triangular fixation in 68.8%. Regardless of the technique, the healing/fusion rate was 100% with a complication rate of 29.9% (n = 96/321). CONCLUSION Spinopelvic dissociation is a rare type of injury with limited data in the literature. Based on our review, it is possible that a streamlined, evidence-based algorithm may improve care for these difficult patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II. STUDY DESIGN Systematic Review.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hospital Value-Based Purchasing (HVBP) is an initiative that rewards acute-care hospitals with incentive payments for the quality of care they provide. A hospital's trauma certification has the potential to influence HVBP scores as attaining the certification provides indication of the service quality offered by the hospital. As such, this study focuses on hospitals' level of trauma certification attainment through the American College of Surgeons and whether this certification is associated with greater HVBP. METHODS A retrospective review of the 2015 HVBP database, 2015 Area Health Resources Files (AHRF) database, and the 2015 American Hospital Association (AHA) database is utilized, and propensity score matching was employed to determine the association between level of trauma certification and scores on HVBP dimensions. RESULTS Results reveal trauma certification is associated with lower HVBP domain scores when compared to hospitals without trauma certification. In addition, hospitals with a greater degree of trauma specialization were associated with lower total performance score and efficiency domain scores. CONCLUSIONS Although payers attempt to connect hospital reimbursements with quality and outcomes, unintended consequences may occur. In response to these results, HVBP risk adjustment and scoring methods should receive further scrutiny.
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Thompson HJ, McGough E, Demiris G. Falls and Cognitive Training 2 (FaCT2) study protocol: a randomised controlled trial exploring cognitive training to reduce risk of falls in at-risk older adults. Inj Prev 2019; 26:370-377. [PMID: 31451566 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2019-043332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary cause of traumatic injury in older adults is fall. Recent reports suggest that cognitive function contributes significantly to fall risk. Therefore, by targeting cognitive function for intervention, we could potentially reduce the incidence of fall and injury. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE To explore the effectiveness of a 16-week cognitive training (CT) intervention to reduce risk and incidence of fall in community-dwelling older adults at risk for fall. OUTCOMES Primary outcome is number of falls over a 16-week period (ascertained by fall calendar method). Secondary outcomes include: change fall risk as indicated by improvement in 10 m walk and 90 s balance tests. DESIGN/METHODS The design is a two-group randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants are older adults (aged 65-85) residing in the community who are at risk for fall based on physical performance testing. Following completion of 1-week run-in phase, participants are randomly allocated (1:2) to either a group that is assigned to attention control or to the group that receives CT intervention for a total of 16 weeks. Participants are followed for an additional 4 weeks after intervention. Mann-Whitney U test and Student's t-test will be used to examine between-group differences using intention-to-treat analyses. DISCUSSION Limited evidence supports the potential of CT to improve cognition and gait, but no published study has evaluated whether such an intervention would reduce incidence of fall. The present trial is designed to provide initial answers to this question. CT may also improve functioning important in other activities (eg, driving), reducing overall risk of injury in elders. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03190460.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilaire J Thompson
- Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of Washington Seattle Campus, Seattle, Washington, USA .,Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ellen McGough
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington Seattle Campus, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - George Demiris
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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The value of failure to rescue in determining hospital quality for pediatric trauma. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2019; 87:794-799. [PMID: 30830048 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000002240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In adult trauma patients, high- and low-mortality trauma hospitals have similar rates of major complications but differ based on failure to rescue (mortality following a major complication), which has become a marker of hospital quality. The aim of this study is to examine whether failure to rescue is also an appropriate hospital quality indicator in pediatric trauma. METHODS Children younger than 15 years were identified in the 2007 to 2014 National Trauma Databank research data sets. Hospitals were classified as a high, average or low mortality based on risk-adjusted observed-to-expected in-hospital mortality ratios using the modified Trauma Mortality Probability Model. Regression modeling was used to explore the impact of hospital quality ranking on the incidence of major complications and failure to rescue. RESULTS Of 125,057 children, 31,600 were treated at low-mortality outlier hospitals, and 7,014 at high-mortality outlier hospitals. Low-mortality hospitals had a lower rate of major complications compared with high-mortality hospitals (0.5% [low] vs. 0.8% [high]; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61-0.83; p < 0.01) and a lower failure-to-rescue rate (17.6% [low] vs. 24.1% [high]; adjusted OR, 0.53 [high; 95% CI 0.34-0.83; p < 0.01]). When patients who died within 48 hours were excluded, low-mortality hospitals had a lower complication rate (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68, 0.96; p = 0.02), but similar failure-to-rescue rate compared to high-mortality hospitals. There was no correlation between trauma verification level and hospital mortality status based on the model. CONCLUSION For pediatric trauma patients, mortality is more strongly associated with major complication rate than with failure to rescue. Thus, failure to rescue does not appear to be the key driver of hospital quality in this population as it does in the adult trauma population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and epidemiological, level III.
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Complications and Mortality Among Correctly Triaged and Undertriaged Severely Injured Older Adults With Traumatic Brain Injuries. J Trauma Nurs 2018; 25:341-347. [PMID: 30395031 DOI: 10.1097/jtn.0000000000000399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Determining differences in clinical outcomes of older adults treated at trauma centers (TCs) and nontrauma centers (NTCs) is imperative considering their persistent undertriage and the projected costs of fixing the problem. This study compared the incidence and predictors of complications and mortality among brain-injured older adults treated at TCs and NTCs. This secondary analysis of New York inpatient data included patients aged 55+ years, primary brain injury diagnosis, and acute care hospital admission. Interfacility transfers and nontraumatic brain injuries were excluded. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis codes identified complications and mortality. Injury severity was determined by mapping ICD-9-CM diagnoses to Abbreviated Injury Scale 2005 Revision 2008 dictionary scores. A subgroup analysis of 1,594 patients with New Injury Severity Scores greater than 15 was performed to examine complications and mortality. This study included 7,138 patients who met inclusion criteria. Predictors of subgroup complications included chronic renal failure, odds ratio (OR) = 2.251 (confidence interval [CI] = 1.470-3.447), p < .001; major operating room procedure, OR = 2.349 (CI = 1.679-3.285), p < .001; number of diagnoses, OR = 1.201 (CI = 1.158-1.245), p < .001; and number of procedures, OR = 1.119 (CI = 1.077-1.162), p £ .001. Mortality predictors included age, OR = 1.031 (CI = 1.017-1.045), p < .001; preexisting coagulopathy, OR = 1.753 (C = 1.130-2.719), p = .012; number of procedures, OR = 1.122 (CI = 1.081-1.166), p < .001; acute renal failure, OR = 3.114 (CI = 1.672-5.797), p < .001; systemic inflammatory response syndrome, OR = 4.058 (CI = 1.463-11.258), p = .007; adult respiratory distress syndrome, OR = 3.179 (CI = 1.673-6.041), p < .001; and subarachnoid bleed, OR = 2.667 (CI = 1.415-5.029), p = .002. Nearly 23% of the severely/critically injured patients experienced 1 or more complications. Incidence of complications was low and comparable for TCs and NTCs. The proportion of deaths was slightly higher at TCs but not significant. The most prevalent complications carry a high mortality risk.
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Neuro, trauma, or med/surg intensive care unit: Does it matter where multiple injuries patients with traumatic brain injury are admitted? Secondary analysis of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Multi-Institutional Trials Committee decompressive craniectomy study. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2017; 82:489-496. [PMID: 28225527 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000001361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with nontraumatic acute intracranial pathology benefit from neurointensivist care. Similarly, trauma patients with and without traumatic brain injury (TBI) fare better when treated by a dedicated trauma team. No study has yet evaluated the role of specialized neurocritical (NICU) and trauma intensive care units (TICU) in the management of TBI patients, and it remains unclear which TBI patients are best served in NICU, TICU, or general (Med/Surg) ICU. METHODS This study is a secondary analysis of The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Multi-Institutional Trials Committee (AAST-MITC) decompressive craniectomy study. Twelve Level 1 trauma centers provided clinical data and head computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13 or less and CT evidence of TBI. Non-ICU admissions were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to measure the association between ICU type and survival and calculate the probability of death for increasing Injury Severity Score (ISS). Multiple injuries patients (ISS > 15) with TBI and isolated TBI patients (other Abbreviated Injury Scale score < 3) were analyzed separately. RESULTS There were 3641 patients with CT evidence of TBI with 2951 admitted to an ICU. Before adjustment, patient demographics, injury severity, and survival differed significantly by unit type. After adjustment, unit type, age, and ISS remained independent predictors of death. Unit type modified the effect of ISS on mortality. TBI multiple injuries patients admitted to a TICU had improved survival across increasing ISS. Survival for isolated TBI patients was similar between TICU and NICU. Med/surg ICU carried the greatest probability of death. CONCLUSION Multiple injuries patients with TBI have lower mortality risk when admitted to a trauma ICU. This survival benefit increases with increasing injury severity. Isolated TBI patients have similar mortality risk when admitted to a neuro ICU compared with a trauma ICU. Med/surg ICU admission carries the highest mortality risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, level IV.
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Barmparas G, Martin MJ, Wiegmann DA, Catchpole KR, Gewertz BL, Ley EJ. Increased Age Predicts Failure to Rescue. Am Surg 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/000313481608201122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Failure to rescue (FTR), defined as any death after the development of in-hospital complications, is an important quality measure, but the relationship with age after a traumatic injury, has not been well defined. We sought to examine whether older trauma patients are at higher risk for FTR. The National Trauma Databank (NTDB) research datasets 2007 to 2011 were queried for patients ≥16 years who had any reported complication. Those who survived (non-FTR) were compared with those who did not (FTR) using a forward logistic regression model. Overall, 218,986 subjects met inclusion criteria of those, 201,358 (91.2%) survived their complication (non-FTR) and 17,628 (8.8%) died (FTR). A forward logistic regression identified age 65 to 89 years as the strongest predictor of FTR [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.58 (6.11, 7.08), P < 0.001]. Using age group 16 to 45 years as the reference group, the adjusted risk for FTR increased with increasing age in a stepwise fashion [AOR (95 % CI): 1.94 (1.80, 2.09) for age 46 to 65 years, 6.78 (6.19, 7.42) for age 66 to 89 years and 27.58 [21.81, 34.87] for age ≥90 years]. The adjusted risk of FTR also increased in a stepwise fashion with increasing number of complications, reaching AOR (95 per cent CI) of 2.25 (2.07, 2.45), P < 0.001 for ≥4 complications. The risk of failure to rescue increases with age and number of complications. Strategies which track this quality measure to encourage early recognition and treatment of complications in the elderly are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galinos Barmparas
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department Of Surgery, Los Angeles, California
| | - Matthew J. Martin
- Madigan Army Medical Center, Department Of Surgery, Tacoma, Washington
| | | | - Ken R. Catchpole
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department Of Surgery, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bruce L. Gewertz
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department Of Surgery, Los Angeles, California
| | - Eric J. Ley
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department Of Surgery, Los Angeles, California
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Englum BR, Hui X, Zogg CK, Chaudhary MA, Villegas C, Bolorunduro OB, Stevens KA, Haut ER, Cornwell EE, Efron DT, Haider AH. Association Between Insurance Status and Hospital Length of Stay Following Trauma. Am Surg 2016; 82:281-288. [PMID: 27099067 PMCID: PMC5142530 DOI: 10.1177/000313481608200324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that nonclinical factors are associated with differences in clinical care, with uninsured patients receiving decreased resource use. Studies on trauma populations have also shown unclear relationships between insurance status and hospital length of stay (LOS), a commonly used metric for evaluating quality of care. The objective of this study is to define the relationship between insurance status and LOS after trauma using the largest available national trauma dataset and controlling for significant confounders. Data from 2007 to 2010 National Trauma Data Bank were used to compare differences in LOS among three insurance groups: privately insured, publically insured, and uninsured trauma patients. Multivariable regression models adjusted for potential confounding due to baseline differences in injury severity and demographic and clinical factors. A total of 884,493 patients met the inclusion criteria. After adjusting for the influence of covariates, uninsured patients had significantly shorter hospital stays (0.3 days) relative to privately insured patients. Publicly insured patients had longer risk-adjusted LOS (0.9 days). Stratified differences in discharge disposition and injury severity significantly altered the relationship between insurance status and LOS. In conclusion, this study elucidates the association between insurance status and hospital LOS, demonstrating that a patient's ability to pay could alter LOS in acute trauma patients. Additional research is needed to examine causes and outcomes from these differences to increase efficiency in the health care system, decrease costs, and shrink disparities in health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R Englum
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North California, USA
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Validation of Complications Selected by Consensus to Evaluate the Acute Phase of Adult Trauma Care: A Multicenter Cohort Study. Ann Surg 2016; 262:1123-9. [PMID: 25243558 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000000963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluate the predictive validity of complications derived using expert consensus methodology to monitor the quality of trauma care. Secondary objectives were to assess the predictive validity of complications not selected by consensus and identify determinants of complications. BACKGROUND A list of complications to monitor the quality of trauma care has recently been derived using Delphi consensus methodology. However, the predictive validity of consensus complications has not yet been demonstrated. METHODS We conducted a multicenter cohort study of adults admitted to the 57 adult trauma centers of a Canadian integrated trauma system (2007-2012; n = 84,216). Multiple generalized linear models were used to assess the influence of complications on mortality and acute care length of stay (LOS) and to identify determinants of consensus complications. RESULTS The presence of at least 1 consensus complication was associated with a 2.7-fold [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.45-2.90] and 2.2-fold (95% CI: 2.11-2.19) increase in the odds of mortality and mean LOS, respectively. Nonselected complications were associated with no increase in mortality (odds ratio = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.80-1.01) and a 60% increase in LOS (geometric mean ratio = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.57-1.62). Patient-related factors and factors related to treatment explained 66% and 34% of the variation in complication rates, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In addition to the face and content validity ensured by consensus methodology, this study suggests that consensus complications have good predictive validity. Monitoring these complications as part of quality improvement activities would provide an opportunity to improve outcome and resource use for injury admissions.
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Weeks SR, Stevens KA, Haider AH, Efron DT, Haut ER, MacKenzie EJ, Schneider EB. A modified Kampala trauma score (KTS) effectively predicts mortality in trauma patients. Injury 2016; 47:125-9. [PMID: 26256783 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mortality prediction in trauma patients has relied upon injury severity scoring tools focused on anatomical injury. This study sought to examine whether an injury severity scoring system which includes physiologic data performs as well as anatomic injury scores in mortality prediction. METHODS Using data collected from 18 Level I trauma centers and 51 non-trauma center hospitals in the US, anatomy based injury severity scores (ISS), new injury severity scores (NISS) were calculated as were scores based on a modified version of the physiology-based Kampala trauma score (KTS). Because pre-hospital intubation, when required, is standard of care in the US, a modified KTS was calculated excluding respiratory rate. The predictive ability of the modified KTS for mortality was compared with the ISS and NISS using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS A total of 4716 individuals were eligible for study. Each of the three scores was a statistically significant predictor of mortality. In this sample, the modified KTS significantly outperformed the ISS (AUC=0.83, 95% CI 0.81-0.84 vs. 0.77, 95% CI 0.76-0.79, respectively) and demonstrated similar predictive ability compared to the NISS (AUC=0.83, 95% CI 0.81-0.84 vs. 0.82, 95% CI 0.80-0.83, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The modified KTS may represent a useful tool for assessing trauma mortality risk in real time, as well as in administrative data where physiologic measures are available. Further research is warranted and these findings suggest that the collection of physiologic measures in large databases may improve outcome prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon R Weeks
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kent A Stevens
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Adil H Haider
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David T Efron
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Elliot R Haut
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ellen J MacKenzie
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Eric B Schneider
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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Matsushima K, Schaefer EW, Won EJ, Armen SB. The outcome of trauma patients with do-not-resuscitate orders. J Surg Res 2015; 200:631-6. [PMID: 26505661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2015.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2015] [Revised: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Institutional variation in outcome of patients with do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders has not been well described in the setting of trauma. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of trauma center designation on outcome of patients with DNR orders. MATERIALS AND METHODS A statewide trauma database (Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study) was used for the analysis. Characteristics of patients with DNR orders were compared between state-designated level 1 and 2 trauma centers. Inhospital mortality and major complication rates were compared using hierarchical logistic regression models that included a random effect for trauma centers. We adjusted for a number of potential confounders and allowed for nonlinearity in injury severity score and age in these models. RESULTS A total of 106,291 patients (14 level 1 and 11 level 2 trauma centers) were identified in the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study database between 2007 and 2011. We included 5953 patients with DNR orders (5.6%). Although more severely injured patients with comorbid disease were made DNR in level 1 trauma centers, trauma center designation level was not a significant factor for inhospital mortality of patients with DNR orders (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-2.18; P = 0.26). Level 1 trauma centers were significantly associated with a higher rate of major complications (odds ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-2.75; P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS Inhospital mortality of patients with DNR orders was not significantly associated with trauma designation level after adjusting for case mix. More aggressive treatment or other unknown factors may have resulted in a significantly higher complication rate at level 1 trauma centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhide Matsushima
- Department of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania; Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Eric W Schaefer
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Eugene J Won
- Department of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Scott B Armen
- Department of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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Holloway TL, Rani M, Cap AP, Stewart RM, Schwacha MG. The association between the Th-17 immune response and pulmonary complications in a trauma ICU population. Cytokine 2015; 76:328-333. [PMID: 26364992 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The overall immunopathology of the T-helper cell (Th)-17 immune response has been implicated in various inflammatory diseases including pulmonary inflammation; however its potential role in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is not defined. This study aimed to evaluate the Th-17 response in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood and from trauma patients with pulmonary complications. METHODS A total of 21 severely injured intensive care unit (ICU) subjects, who were mechanically ventilated and undergoing bronchoscopy, were enrolled. BALF and blood were collected and analyzed for Th-1 (interferon [IFN]γ), Th-2 (interleukin [IL]-4, -10), Th-17 (IL-17A, -17F, -22, 23) and pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]α) cytokine levels. RESULTS Significant levels of the Th-17 cytokines IL-17A, -17F and -21 and IL-6 (which can be classified as a Th-17 cytokine) were observed in the BALF of all subjects. There were no significant differences in Th-17 cytokines between those subjects with ARDS and those without, with the exception of plasma and BALF IL-6, which was markedly greater in ARDS subjects, as compared with controls and non-ARDS subjects. CONCLUSIONS Trauma patients with pulmonary complications exhibited a significant Th-17 response in the lung and blood, suggesting that this pro-inflammatory milieu may be a contributing factor to such complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis L Holloway
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX 78229, United States
| | - Meenakshi Rani
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX 78229, United States
| | - Andrew P Cap
- US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, United States
| | - Ronald M Stewart
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX 78229, United States
| | - Martin G Schwacha
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX 78229, United States; US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, United States.
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Zocchi MS, Hsia RY, Carr BG, Sarani B, Pines JM. Comparison of Mortality and Costs at Trauma and Nontrauma Centers for Minor and Moderately Severe Injuries in California. Ann Emerg Med 2015; 67:56-67.e5. [PMID: 26014435 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2015.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE We examine differences in inpatient mortality and hospitalization costs at trauma and nontrauma centers for injuries of minor and moderate severity. METHODS Inpatient data sets from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development were analyzed for 2009 to 2011. The study population included patients younger than 85 years and admitted to general, acute care hospitals with a primary diagnosis of a minor or moderate injury. Minor injuries were defined as having a New Injury Severity Score less than 5 and moderate injuries as having a score of 5 to 15. Multivariate logistic regression and generalized linear model with log-link and γ distribution were used to estimate differences in adjusted inpatient mortality and costs. RESULTS A total of 126,103 admissions with minor or moderate injury were included in the study population. The unadjusted mortality rate was 6.4 per 1,000 admissions (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.9 to 6.8). There was no significant difference found in mortality between trauma and nontrauma centers in unadjusted (odds ratio 1.2; 95% CI 0.97 to 1.48) or adjusted models (odds ratio 1.1; 95% CI 0.79 to 1.57). The average cost of a hospitalization was $13,465 (95% CI $12,733 to $14,198) and, after adjustment, was 33.1% higher at trauma centers compared with nontrauma centers (95% CI 16.9% to 51.6%). CONCLUSION For patients admitted to hospitals for minor and moderate injuries, hospitalization costs in this study population were higher at trauma centers than nontrauma centers, after adjustments for patient clinical-, demographic-, and hospital-level characteristics. Mortality was a rare event in the study population and did not significantly differ between trauma and nontrauma centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Zocchi
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC.
| | - Renee Y Hsia
- Department of Emergency Medicine and the Institute of Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Brendan G Carr
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Babak Sarani
- Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Jesse M Pines
- Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC; Department of Health Policy, George Washington University, Washington, DC
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Regional collaborative quality improvement for trauma reduces complications and costs. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2015; 78:78-85; discussion 85-7. [PMID: 25539206 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000000494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although evidence suggests that quality improvement to reduce complications for trauma patients should decrease costs, studies have not addressed this question directly. In Michigan, trauma centers and a private payer have created a regional collaborative quality initiative (CQI). This CQI program began as a pilot in 2008 and expanded to a formal statewide program in 2010. We examined the relationship between outcomes and expenditures for trauma patients treated in collaborative participant and nonparticipant hospitals. METHODS Payer claims and collaborative registry data were analyzed for 30-day episode payments and serious complications in patients admitted with trauma diagnoses. Patients were categorized as treated in hospitals that had different CQI status: (1) never participated (Never-CQI); (2) collaborative participant, but patient treated before CQI initiation (Pre-CQI); or (3) active collaborative participant (Post-CQI). DRG International Classification of Diseases--9th Rev. codes were crosswalked to Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) 2005 codes. Episode payment data were risk adjusted (age, sex, comorbidities, type/severity of injury, and year of treatment), and price was standardized. Outcome data were risk adjusted. A serious complication consisted of one or more of the following occurrences: acute lung injury/adult respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury, cardiac arrest with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, decubitus ulcer, deep vein thrombosis, enterocutaneous fistula, extremity compartment syndrome, mortality, myocardial infarction, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, severe sepsis, stroke/cerebral vascular accident, unplanned intubation, or unplanned return to operating room. RESULTS The risk-adjusted rate of serious complications declined from 14.9% to 9.1% (p < 0.001) in participating hospitals (Post-CQI, n = 26). Average episode payments decreased by $2,720 (from $36,043 to $33,323, p = 0.08) among patients treated in Post-CQI centers, whereas patients treated at Never-CQI institutions had a significant year-to-year increase in payments (from $23,547 to $28,446, p < 0.001). A savings of $6.5 million in total episode payments from 2010 to 2011 was achieved for payer-covered Post-CQI treated patients. CONCLUSION This study confirms our hypothesis that participation in a regional CQI program improves outcomes and reduces costs for trauma patients. Support of a regional CQI for trauma represents an effective investment to achieve health care value. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Economic/value-based evaluation, level III.
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Complications of trauma patients admitted to the ICU in level I academic trauma centers in the United States. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:473419. [PMID: 24995300 PMCID: PMC4065752 DOI: 10.1155/2014/473419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2014] [Revised: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aims of this study were to evaluate the complications that occur after trauma and the characteristics of individuals who develop complications, to identify potential risk factors that increase their incidence, and finally to investigate the relationship between complications and mortality. METHODS We did a population-based retrospective study of trauma patients admitted to ICUs of a level I trauma center. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors for complications. RESULTS Of the 11,064 patients studied, 3,451 trauma patients developed complications (31.2%). Complications occurred significantly more in younger male patients. Length of stay was correlated with the number of complications (R = 0.435, P < 0.0001). The overall death rate did not differ between patients with or without complications. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of developing complication for patients over age 75 versus young adults was 0.7 (P < 0.0001). Among males, traumatic central nervous system (CNS) injury was an important predictor for complications (adjusted OR 1.24). CONCLUSIONS Complications after trauma were found to be associated with age, gender, and traumatic CNS injury. Although these are not modifiable factors, they may identify subjects at high risk for the development of complications, allowing for preemptive strategies for prevention.
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The effect of epidural placement in patients after blunt thoracic trauma. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2014; 76:39-45; discussion 45-6. [DOI: 10.1097/ta.0b013e3182ab1b08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Benchmarking the incidence of organ failure after injury at trauma centers and nontrauma centers in the United States. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2013; 75:426-31. [PMID: 24089112 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0b013e31829cfa19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Organ failure after injury is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, yet its true incidence is unknown. We sought to benchmark the incidence of organ failure following injury at trauma centers and nontrauma centers using a nationally representative sample of hospital discharges. We hypothesized that injured patients receiving care at trauma centers would have a lower incidence of organ failure than those at nontrauma centers. METHODS We used the 2006 Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify injured adults (age ≥ 15 years) with organ dysfunction using specific DRG International Classification of Diseases-9th Rev. codes by system. After adjusting for hospital size, geographic region, comorbidities, Injury Severity Score (ISS), age, and sex, a multivariate logistic regression model was created to compare rates of organ dysfunction between trauma centers and nontrauma centers. RESULTS We identified 396,276 injured patients, representing the patient care experience of a total of 1,939,473 patients. Among these patients, 6.5% had concurrent organ failure. Injured patients who had acute organ failure were more likely to die than injured patients without organ failure (12.4% vs. 1.7%, p < 0.001). Mortality increased with the number of organ system failures. Patients treated at trauma centers had a higher incidence of respiratory and cardiac failure compared with nontrauma centers. CONCLUSION We offer the first national benchmark of rates of acute organ failure among injured patients. Postinjury organ failure is uncommon, but incidence increases with injury severity and correlates with mortality. Patients at trauma centers had higher rates of respiratory and cardiac failure, possibly representing differences in referral patterns or resuscitation strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and epidemiologic study, level III.
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Moore L, Stelfox HT, Turgeon AF. Complication rates as a trauma care performance indicator: a systematic review. CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2012; 16:R195. [PMID: 23072526 PMCID: PMC3682297 DOI: 10.1186/cc11680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Information on complication rates is essential to trauma quality improvement efforts. However, it is unclear which complications are the most clinically relevant. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there is consensus on the complications that should be used to evaluate the performance of acute care trauma hospitals. Methods We searched the Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, CINAHL, BIOSIS, TRIP and ProQuest databases and included studies using at least one nonfatal outcome to evaluate the performance of acute care trauma hospitals. Data were extracted in duplicate using a piloted electronic data abstraction form. Consensus was considered to be reached if a specific complication was used in ≥ 70% of studies (strong recommendation) or in ≥ 50% of studies (weak recommendation). Results Of 14,521 citations identified, 22 were eligible for inclusion. We observed important heterogeneity in the complications used to evaluate trauma care. Seventy-nine specific complications were identified but none were used in ≥ 70% of studies and only three (pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and pneumonia) were used in ≥ 50% of studies. Only one study provided evidence for the clinical relevance of complications used and only five studies (23%) were considered of high methodological quality. Conclusion Based on the results of this review, we can make a weak recommendation on three complications that should be used to evaluate acute care trauma hospitals; pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and pneumonia. However, considering the observed disparity in definitions, the lack of clinical justification for the complications used, and the low methodological quality of studies, further research is needed to develop a valid and reliable performance indicator based on complications that can be used to improve the quality and efficiency of trauma care.
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Glance LG, Osler TM, Mukamel DB, Dick AW. Impact of Trauma Center Designation on Outcomes: Is There a Difference Between Level I and Level II Trauma Centers? J Am Coll Surg 2012; 215:372-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2012.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Revised: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Prevention of complications and successful rescue of patients with serious complications: characteristics of high-performing trauma centers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 70:575-82. [PMID: 21610345 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0b013e31820e75a9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND "Failure to rescue" patients with complications is a factor contributing to high mortality rates after elective surgery. In trauma, where early deaths are the primary contributors to a trauma center's mortality rate, the rescue of patients with complications might not be related to overall trauma center mortality. We assessed the extent to which trauma center mortality was reflected by the center's ability to rescue patients with major complications. METHODS Data were derived from the National Trauma Databank, and limited to adults with an Injury Severity Score ≥9 and to centers with adequate complication reporting. Regression models were used to produce center-level adjusted rates for mortality and complications. Centers were ranked on their adjusted mortality rate and divided into quintiles. RESULTS Of 76,048 patients, 9.6% had a major complication and 7.9% died. The mean complication rate in the quintile of centers with the highest mortality rates was 11.1%, compared with 7.7% in the quintile of centers with the lowest mortality rates (p=0.03). In addition, mortality among patients with complications differed significantly across quintiles. The mean mortality among patients with complications was 20.3% in the quintile of centers with the highest overall mortality rates, compared with 11.1% in the quintile of centers with the lowest overall mortality rates (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Unlike reports from elective surgery, complication rates after severe injury differ across centers and parallel mortality rates. Centers with low overall mortality are more successful at rescuing patients who experience complications. A lower risk of complications and better care of those with complications are both at play in high-performing trauma centers.
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Health care reform at trauma centers--mortality, complications, and length of stay. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 69:1367-71. [PMID: 21150517 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0b013e3181fb785d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Trauma Quality Improvement Program has demonstrated existence of significant variations in risk-adjusted mortality across trauma centers. However, it is unknown whether centers with lower mortality rates also have reduced length of stay (LOS), with associated cost savings. We hypothesized that LOS is not primarily determined by unmodifiable factors, such as age and injury severity, but is primarily dependent on the development of potentially preventable complications. METHODS The National Trauma Data Bank (2002-2006) was used to include patients (older than 16 years) with at least one severe injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale score ≥ 3) from Level I and II trauma centers (217,610 patients, 151 centers). A previously validated risk-adjustment algorithm was used to calculate observed-to-expected mortality ratios for each center. Poisson regression was used to determine the relationship between LOS, observed-to-expected mortality ratios, and complications while controlling for confounding factors, such as age, gender, mechanism, insurance status, comorbidities, and injuries and their severity. RESULTS Large variations in LOS (median, 4-8 days) were observed across trauma centers. There was no relationship between mortality and LOS. The most important predictor of LOS was complications, which were associated with a 62% increase. Injury severity score, shock, gunshot wounds, brain injuries, intensive care unit admission, and comorbidities were less important predictors of LOS. CONCLUSION Quality improvement programs focusing on mortality alone may not be associated with reduced LOS. Hence, the Trauma Quality Improvement Program should also focus on processes of care that reduce complications, thereby shortening LOS, which may lead to significant cost savings at trauma centers.
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