1
|
Friesen J, Kharel R, Delaney PG. Emergency medical dispatch technologies: Addressing communication challenges and coordinating emergency response in low and middle-income countries. Surgery 2024; 176:223-225. [PMID: 38609788 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2024.02.031] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
A majority of emergency response in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) without formal emergency medical services (EMS) rely on uncoordinated layperson first responders (LFRs) to respond to emergencies using readily available mobile phones and private transport. Although formally trained LFRs are an important foundation for nascent emergency medical services (EMS) development, without coordination by standardized emergency medical dispatch (EMD) systems, LFR response is limited to witnessed emergencies, which provides significant but incomplete coverage. After training and equipping LFRs, EMD implementation using telecommunications technologies is the next step in formal EMS development and is essential to coordinate response, given the impact of timely prehospital response, intervention, and transportation on reducing morbidity/mortality. In this paper, we describe the current state of dispatch technologies used for emergency response in LMICs, focusing on the role of communication technologies, current approaches, and challenges in communication, and offer potential strategies for future development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramu Kharel
- Division of Global Emergency Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Peter G Delaney
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH; LFR International, Makeni, Sierra Leone.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kamgar Amaleh MH, Heydari S, Nazari P, Bakhshi F. Evaluating the effectiveness of the pre‑hospital trauma life support (PHTLS) program for the management of trauma patients in the pre-hospital emergency based on Kirkpatrick's evaluation model. Int J Emerg Med 2024; 17:13. [PMID: 38287277 PMCID: PMC10823684 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-024-00589-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-hospital trauma life support (PHTLS) training courses have been developed and widely adopted to enhance the proficiency of pre-hospital personnel in handling trauma patients. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the educational program for managing trauma patients in the pre-hospital emergency setting, utilizing Kirkpatrick's educational evaluation model. METHODS This is an observational approach, consisting of four sub-studies. The PHTLS course was conducted over a 2-day period, encompassing both theoretical and practical components. For this study, we selected pre-hospital personnel from three emergency aid stations using a convenient sampling method. These personnel underwent their first-ever PHTLS course training, and we subsequently analyzed the effectiveness of the training program using Kirkpatrick's four levels of evaluation: satisfaction, learning, behavior, and results. RESULTS The study conducted on Kirkpatrick's first-level analysis revealed that participants expressed a high level of satisfaction with the quality of all aspects of the course. Moving on to the second and third levels, namely learning and behavior, significant improvements were observed in the average scores of various skills that were examined both immediately after the course and 2 months later (P < 0.05). However, when it comes to the fourth level and the impact of the course on indicators such as mortality rate and permanent disability, no significant changes were observed even after an average of 3 months since the course was introduced. CONCLUSION The implementation of PHTLS has been linked to the enhancement of participants' skills in treating trauma patients, leading to the application of acquired knowledge in real-life scenarios and a positive change in participants' behavior. The evaluation of PHTLS courses in Iran, as in other countries, highlights the need for specialized training in pre-hospital trauma care. To ensure the continued effectiveness of the PHTLS course, it is advisable for managers and policymakers to encourage regular participation of PHTLS employees in the program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hadi Kamgar Amaleh
- International Campus, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Emergency Nursing, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Sara Heydari
- Department of Medical Education, Medical Education and Development Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Peyman Nazari
- Emergency Nursing, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Bakhshi
- Nursing, Research Center for Nursing and Midwifery Care, Non-communicable Diseases Research Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, 8916877443, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Becker J, Kurland L, Höglund E, Hugelius K. Dynamic ambulance relocation: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073394. [PMID: 38101827 PMCID: PMC10729233 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073394] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dynamic ambulance relocation means that the operators at a dispatch centre place an ambulance in a temporary location, with the goal of optimising coverage and response times in future medical emergencies. This study aimed to scope the current research on dynamic ambulance relocation. DESIGN A scoping review was conducted using a structured search in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. In total, 21 papers were included. RESULTS Most papers described research with experimental designs involving the use of mathematical models to calculate the optimal use and temporary relocations of ambulances. The models relied on several variables, including distances, locations of hospitals, demographic-geological data, estimation of new emergencies, emergency medical services (EMSs) working hours and other data. Some studies used historic ambulance dispatching data to develop models. Only one study reported a prospective, real-time evaluation of the models and the development of technical systems. No study reported on either positive or negative patient outcomes or real-life chain effects from the dynamic relocation of ambulances. CONCLUSIONS Current knowledge on dynamic relocation of ambulances is dominated by mathematical and technical support data that have calculated optimal locations of ambulance services based on response times and not patient outcomes. Conversely, knowledge of how patient outcomes and the working environment are affected by dynamic ambulance dispatching is lacking. This review has highlighted several gaps in the scientific coverage of the topic. The primary concern is the lack of studies reporting on patient outcomes, and the limited knowledge regarding several key factors, including the optimal use of ambulances in rural areas, turnaround times, domino effects and aspects of working environment for EMS personnel. Therefore, addressing these knowledge gaps is important in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Becker
- Institute for Disaster and Emergency Management, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa Kurland
- Örebro Univeristy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Orebro, Sweden
- Örebro University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden
| | - Erik Höglund
- Örebro Univeristy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Orebro, Sweden
- Ambulance Department, Örebro Country Council, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Karin Hugelius
- Örebro Univeristy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Orebro, Sweden
- Ambulance Department, Örebro Country Council, Örebro, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nilsbakken IMW, Cuevas-Østrem M, Wisborg T, Sollid S, Jeppesen E. Effect of urban vs. remote settings on prehospital time and mortality in trauma patients in Norway: a national population-based study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2023; 31:53. [PMID: 37798724 PMCID: PMC10557189 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-023-01121-w] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Norway has a diverse population pattern and often long transport distances from injury sites to hospitals. Also, previous studies have found an increased risk of trauma-related mortality in remote areas in Norway. Studies on urban vs. remote differences on trauma outcomes from other countries are sparse and they report conflicting results.The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in prehospital time intervals in urban and remote areas in Norway and assess how prehospital time and urban vs. remote settings were associated with mortality in the Norwegian trauma population. METHODS We performed a population-based study of trauma cases included in the Norwegian Trauma Registry from 2015 to 2020. 28,988 patients met the inclusion criteria. Differences in study population characteristics and prehospital time intervals (response time, on-scene time and transport time) were analyzed. The Norwegian Centrality Index score was used for urban vs. remote classification. Descriptive statistics and relevant non-parametric tests with effect size measurements were used. A binary logistic regression model, adjusted for confounding factors, was performed. RESULTS The prehospital time intervals increased significantly from urban to remote areas.Adjusted for control variables we found a significant relationship between prolonged on-scene time and higher odds of mortality. Also, suburban areas compared with remote areas were associated with higher odds of mortality. CONCLUSION In this nationwide study comparing prehospital time intervals in urban and remote areas, we found that prehospital time intervals in remote areas exceeded those in urban areas. Prolonged on-scene time was found to be associated with higher odds of mortality, but remoteness itself was not.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inger Marie Waal Nilsbakken
- Department of Research, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Mathias Cuevas-Østrem
- Department of Research, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Torben Wisborg
- Interprofessional rural research team – Finnmark, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø – the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Trauma, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Hammerfest Hospital, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Finnmark Health Trust, Hammerfest, Norway
| | - Stephen Sollid
- Prehospital Division, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Jeppesen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dinh M, Singh H, Deans C, Pople G, Bendall J, Sarrami P. Prehospital times and outcomes of patients transported using an ambulance trauma transport protocol: A data linkage analysis from New South Wales Australia. Injury 2023; 54:110988. [PMID: 37574381 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2023.110988] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prehospital trauma systems are designed to ensure optimal survival from critical injuries by triaging and transporting such patients to the most appropriate hospital in a timely manner. OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate whether prehospital time and location (metropolitan versus non-metropolitan) were associated with 30-day mortality in a cohort of patients transported by road ambulance using a trauma transport protocol. METHODS Data linkage analysis of routinely collected ambulance and hospital data across all public hospitals in New South Wales (NSW). The data linkage cohort included adult patients (age ≥ 16years) transported by NSW Ambulance, where a T1 Major Trauma Transport Protocol was documented by paramedic crews and transported by road to a public hospital emergency department in NSW for two years between January 2019 and December 2020. The outcomes of interest were prehospital times (response time, scene time and transport time) and 30-day mortality due to injury. RESULTS 9012 cases were identified who were transported to an emergency department with T1 protocol indication. Median prehospital transport times were longer in non-metropolitan road transports [n = 3,071, 98 min (71-126)] compared to metropolitan transports [n = 5,941, 65 min (53-80), p < 0.001]. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between the two groups (1.24% vs 1.65%, p = 0.13). In the subgroup of patients with abnormal vital signs, the only predictors of mortality were increasing age, presence of severe injury (OR 24.87, 95%CI 11.02, 56.15, p < 0.001), and arrival at a non-trauma facility (OR 3.01, 95%CI 1.26, 7.20, p < 0.05). Increasing transport times were not found to increase the odds of 30-day mortality. DISCUSSION In the context of an inclusive trauma system and an established prehospital major trauma protocol, increasing prehospital transport times and scene location were not associated with increased mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Dinh
- NSW Institute for Trauma and Injury Management (ITIM), NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI), Australia; Sydney Medical School, the University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Hardeep Singh
- NSW Institute for Trauma and Injury Management (ITIM), NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI), Australia
| | | | | | | | - Pooria Sarrami
- NSW Institute for Trauma and Injury Management (ITIM), NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI), Australia; South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hong C, He Y, Bowen PA, Belcher AM, Olsen BD, Hammond PT. Engineering a Two-Component Hemostat for the Treatment of Internal Bleeding through Wound-Targeted Crosslinking. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202756. [PMID: 37017403 PMCID: PMC10964210 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202756] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Primary hemostasis (platelet plug formation) and secondary hemostasis (fibrin clot formation) are intertwined processes that occur upon vascular injury. Researchers have sought to target wounds by leveraging cues specific to these processes, such as using peptides that bind activated platelets or fibrin. While these materials have shown success in various injury models, they are commonly designed for the purpose of treating solely primary or secondary hemostasis. In this work, a two-component system consisting of a targeting component (azide/GRGDS PEG-PLGA nanoparticles) and a crosslinking component (multifunctional DBCO) is developed to treat internal bleeding. The system leverages increased injury accumulation to achieve crosslinking above a critical concentration, addressing both primary and secondary hemostasis by amplifying platelet recruitment and mitigating plasminolysis for greater clot stability. Nanoparticle aggregation is measured to validate concentration-dependent crosslinking, while a 1:3 azide/GRGDS ratio is found to increase platelet recruitment, decrease clot degradation in hemodiluted environments, and decrease complement activation. Finally, this approach significantly increases survival relative to the particle-only control in a liver resection model. In light of prior successes with the particle-only system, these results emphasize the potential of this technology in aiding hemostasis and the importance of a holistic approach in engineering new treatments for hemorrhage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celestine Hong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Yanpu He
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Porter A. Bowen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Angela M. Belcher
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Bradley D. Olsen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Paula T. Hammond
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mamo AS, Gete BC, Shiferaw MA, Zeleke YG. Knowledge, Attitude, and Associated Factors towards Prehospital Care among Emergency Health Care Providers Working in Selected Prehospital Care Centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Prehosp Disaster Med 2023; 38:463-470. [PMID: 37345407 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x23005915] [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] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients' health outcomes can suffer as a result of poor knowledge and unfavorable attitude towards prehospital emergency care. The purpose of this study was to assess emergency health care providers' (EHCPs') knowledge, attitude, and associated factors towards prehospital care in selected prehospital Emergency Medical Service institutions in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. METHODS An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among EHCPs working in the three selected prehospital emergency medical care centers in Addis Ababa. Data were collected using a standard self-administered questionnaire, cleaned, coded, and entered into EPI Data Version 6, and then exported to SPSS Version 26 for further analysis. The generated data were compiled using frequency tables, charts, and percentages. Logistic regression analysis was used to see the association between independent and dependent variables. RESULTS One hundred thirty-five (135) study participants were included in this study, with a response rate of 95.7%. The mean age of the respondents was 29.2 years (SD = 4.86). Almost three-quarters of the respondents (71.1%) were aged between 26 and 35 years. Of the total participants, 58.5% and 62.2% of EHCPs had good knowledge and a favorable attitude towards prehospital care, respectively. The study revealed that profession (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI, 1.03 - 7.65), educational status (AOR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08 - 4.93), and having training (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI, 1.33 - 4.52) were significantly associated with the knowledge of EHCPs. This finding also revealed that the respondent's knowledge (AOR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.05 - 2.32) and having training (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI, 1.24 - 7.83) were significantly associated with EHCPs' attitudes towards prehospital care. CONCLUSIONS The knowledge and attitude of EHCPs regarding prehospital care were found to be good and favorable as compared to previous studies. In-service training regarding emergency health conditions and the time needed to care for the patient is important for quality prehospital emergency medical care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alemayehu Sileshi Mamo
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Birhanu Chekol Gete
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mehari Alemayehu Shiferaw
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yared Getachew Zeleke
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Djaja YP, Silitonga J, Dilogo IH, Mauffrey OJ. The management of pelvic ring fractures in low-resource environments: review. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY & TRAUMATOLOGY : ORTHOPEDIE TRAUMATOLOGIE 2023; 33:515-523. [PMID: 36333484 DOI: 10.1007/s00590-022-03420-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Although improvement of pelvic trauma care has been successful in decreasing mortality rates in major trauma centers, such changes have not been implemented in low-resource environments such as low-middle-income countries (LMICs). This review details the evaluation and management of pelvic ring fractures and recommends improvements for trauma care in low-resource environments. Prehospital management revolves around basic life support techniques. Application of non-invasive pelvic circumferential compression devices, such as bed sheet or pelvic binders, can be performed as early as the scene of the accident. Upon arrival at the emergency department, rapid clinical evaluation and immediate resuscitation should be performed. Preperitoneal pelvic packing and external fixation devices have been considered as important first-line management tools to achieve bleeding control in hemodynamically unstable patients. After patient stabilization, immediate referral is mandated if the hospital does not have an orthopedic surgeon or facilities to perform complex pelvic/acetabular surgery. Telemedicine platforms have emerged as one of the key solutions for informing decision-making. However, unavailable referral systems and inaccessible transportation systems act as significant barriers in LMICs. Tendencies toward more "old-fashioned" protocols and conservative treatments are often justified especially for minimally displaced fractures. But when surgery is needed, it is important to visualize the fracture site to obtain and maintain a good reduction in the absence of intraoperative imaging. Minimizing soft tissue damage, reducing intraoperative blood loss, and minimizing duration of surgical interventions are vital when performing pelvic surgery in a limited intensive care setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshi Pratama Djaja
- Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Fatmawati General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Jamot Silitonga
- Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Fatmawati General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ismail Hadisoebroto Dilogo
- Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Nasional Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Océane J Mauffrey
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Delaney PG, Eisner ZJ, Thullah AH, Turay P, Sandy K, Boonstra PS, Raghavendran K. Evaluating feasibility of a novel mobile emergency medical dispatch tool for lay first responder prehospital response coordination in Sierra Leone: A simulation-based study. Injury 2023; 54:5-14. [PMID: 36266111 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2022.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The global injury burden, driven by road traffic injuries, disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, which lack robust emergency medical services (EMS) to address injury. The WHO recommends training lay first responders (LFRs) as the first step toward formal EMS development. Emergency medical dispatch (EMD) systems are the recognized next step but whether small groups of LFRs equipped with mobile dispatch infrastructure can efficiently respond to geographically-dispersed emergencies in a timely fashion and the quality of prehospital care provided is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS We piloted an EMD system utilizing a mobile phone application in Sierra Leone. Ten LFRs were randomly selected from a pool of 61 highly-active LFRs trained in 2019 and recruited to participate in an emergency simulation-based study. Ten simulation scenarios were created matching proportions of injury conditions across 1,850 previous incidents (June-December 2019). Fifty total simulations were launched in randomized order over 3 months, randomized along 10 km of highway in Makeni. Replicating real-world conditions, highly-active LFR participants were blinded to randomized dispatch timing/scenario to assess response time and skill performance under direct observation with a checklist using standardized patient actors. We used novel cost data tracked during EMD pilot implementation to inform the calculation of a new cost-effectiveness ratio ($USD cost per disability-adjusted life year averted (DALY)) for LFR programs equipped with dispatch, following WHOCHOICE guidelines, which state cost-effectiveness ratios less than gross domestic product (GDP) per capita are considered "very cost-effective." RESULTS Median total response interval (notification to arrival) was 5 min 39 s (IQR:0:03:51, 0:09:18). LFRs initially trained with a 5-hour curriculum and refresher training provide high-quality prehospital care during simulated emergencies. Median first aid skill checklist completion was 89% (IQR: 78%, 90%). Cost-effectiveness equals $179.02USD per DALY averted per 100,000 people, less than Sierra Leonean GDP per capita ($484.52USD). CONCLUSION LFRs equipped with mobile dispatch demonstrate appropriate response times and effective basic initial management of simulated emergencies. Training smaller cohorts of highly-active LFRs equipped with mobile dispatch appears highly cost-effective and may be a feasible model to facilitate efficient dispatch to expand emergency coverage while conserving valuable training resources in resource-limited settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter G Delaney
- University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; LFR International, 4835 Oak Park Ave, Encino, California, United States; Michigan Center for Global Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Zachary J Eisner
- University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; LFR International, 4835 Oak Park Ave, Encino, California, United States; Michigan Center for Global Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Alfred H Thullah
- LFR International - Sierra Leone, Plot 4, Lunsar-Makeni Highway, Makeni, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Kpawuru Sandy
- Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, 6, Liverpool St., Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Philip S Boonstra
- University of Michigan Department of Biostatistics, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Krishnan Raghavendran
- Michigan Center for Global Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; University of Michigan Health System Department of Surgery, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ortiz C, Vela J, Contreras C, Belmar F, Paul I, Zinco A, Ramos JP, Ottolino P, Achurra P, Jarufe N, Alseidi A, Varas J. A new approach for the acquisition of trauma surgical skills: an OSCE type of simulation training program. Surg Endosc 2022; 36:8441-8450. [PMID: 35237901 PMCID: PMC8890468 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-022-09098-w] [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: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, trauma-related deaths are one of the main causes of mortality. Appropriate surgical treatment is crucial to prevent mortality, however, in the past decade, general surgery residents' exposure to trauma cases has decreased, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, accessible simulation-based training scenarios are essential. METHODS A low-cost, previously tested OSCE scenario for the evaluation of surgical skills in trauma was implemented as part of a short training boot camp for residents and recently graduated surgeons. The following stations were included bowel anastomosis, vascular anastomosis, penetrating lung injury, penetrating cardiac injury, and gastric perforation (laparoscopic suturing). A total of 75 participants from 15 different programs were recruited. Each station was videotaped in high definition and assessed in a remote and asynchronous manner. The level of competency was assessed through global and specific rating scales alongside procedural times. Self-confidence to perform the procedure as the leading surgeon was evaluated before and after training. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found in pre-training scores between groups for all stations. The lowest scores were obtained in the cardiac and lung injury stations. After training, participants significantly increased their level of competence in both grading systems. Procedural times for the pulmonary tractotomy, bowel anastomosis, and vascular anastomosis stations increased after training. A significant improvement in self-confidence was shown in all stations. CONCLUSION An OSCE scenario for training surgical skills in trauma was effective in improving proficiency level and self-confidence. Low pre-training scores and level of confidence in the cardiac and lung injury stations represent a deficit in residency programs that should be addressed. The incorporation of simulation-based teaching tools at early stages in residency would be beneficial when future surgeons face extremely severe trauma scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Ortiz
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javier Vela
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Caterina Contreras
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca Belmar
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ivan Paul
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Analia Zinco
- Trauma Surgery Department, Hospital Sótero del Río, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Pablo Ramos
- Trauma Surgery Department, Hospital Sótero del Río, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Ottolino
- Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Trauma Surgery Department, Hospital Sótero del Río, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Achurra
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicolas Jarufe
- Department of Surgery, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Adnan Alseidi
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Julian Varas
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Experimental Surgery and Simulation Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Spoelder EJ, Slagt C, Scheffer GJ, van Geffen GJ. Transport of the patient with trauma: a narrative review. Anaesthesia 2022; 77:1281-1287. [PMID: 36089885 PMCID: PMC9826434 DOI: 10.1111/anae.15812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Trauma and injury place a significant burden on healthcare systems. In most high-income countries, well-developed acute pre-hospital and trauma care systems have been established. In Europe, mobile physician-staffed medical teams are available for the most severely injured patients and apply a wide variety of lifesaving interventions at the same time as ensuring patient comfort. In trauma systems providing pre-hospital care, medical interventions are performed earlier in the patient journey and do not affect time to definite care. The mode of transport from the accident scene depends on the organisation of the healthcare system and the level of hospital care to which the patient is transported. This varies from 'scoop and run' to a basic community care setting, to advanced helicopter emergency medical service transport to a level 4 trauma centre. Secondary transport of trauma patients to a higher level of care should be avoided and may lead to a delay in definitive care. Critically injured patients must be accompanied by at least two healthcare professionals, one of whom must be skilled in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advanced airway management techniques. Ideally, the standard of care provided during transport, including the level of monitoring, should mirror hospital care. Pre-hospital care focuses on the critical care patient, but the majority of injured patients need only close observation and pain management during transport. Providing comfort and preventing additional injury is the responsibility of the whole transport team.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. J. Spoelder
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative MedicineRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenthe Netherlands,Helicopter Mobile Medical TeamRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenthe Netherlands
| | - C. Slagt
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative MedicineRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenthe Netherlands,Helicopter Mobile Medical TeamRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenthe Netherlands
| | - G. J. Scheffer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative MedicineRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenthe Netherlands
| | - G. J. van Geffen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative MedicineRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenthe Netherlands,Helicopter Mobile Medical TeamRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenthe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Suresh K, Dixon JM, Patel C, Beaty B, Del Junco DJ, de Vries S, Lategan HJ, Steyn E, Verster J, Schauer SG, Becker TE, Cunningham C, Keenan S, Moore EE, Wallis LA, Baidwan N, Fosdick BK, Ginde AA, Bebarta VS, Mould-Millman NK. The epidemiology and outcomes of prolonged trauma care (EpiC) study: methodology of a prospective multicenter observational study in the Western Cape of South Africa. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2022; 30:55. [PMID: 36253865 PMCID: PMC9574798 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-022-01041-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Deaths due to injuries exceed 4.4 million annually, with over 90% occurring in low-and middle-income countries. A key contributor to high trauma mortality is prolonged trauma-to-treatment time. Earlier receipt of medical care following an injury is critical to better patient outcomes. Trauma epidemiological studies can identify gaps and opportunities to help strengthen emergency care systems globally, especially in lower income countries, and among military personnel wounded in combat. This paper describes the methodology of the “Epidemiology and Outcomes of Prolonged Trauma Care (EpiC)” study, which aims to investigate how the delivery of resuscitative interventions and their timeliness impacts the morbidity and mortality outcomes of patients with critical injuries in South Africa. Methods The EpiC study is a prospective, multicenter cohort study that will be implemented over a 6-year period in the Western Cape, South Africa. Data collected will link pre- and in-hospital care with mortuary reports through standardized clinical chart abstraction and will provide longitudinal documentation of the patient’s clinical course after injury. The study will enroll an anticipated sample of 14,400 injured adults. Survival and regression analysis will be used to assess the effects of critical early resuscitative interventions (airway, breathing, circulatory, and neurologic) and trauma-to-treatment time on the primary 7-day mortality outcome and secondary mortality (24-h, 30-day) and morbidity outcomes (need for operative interventions, secondary infections, and organ failure). Discussion This study is the first effort in the Western Cape of South Africa to build a standardized, high-quality, multicenter epidemiologic trauma dataset that links pre- and in-hospital care with mortuary data. In high-income countries and the U.S. military, the introduction of trauma databases and registries has led to interventions that significantly reduce post-injury death and disability. The EpiC study will describe epidemiology trends over time, and it will enable assessments of how trauma care and system processes directly impact trauma outcomes to ultimately improve the overall emergency care system. Trial Registration: Not applicable as this study is not a clinical trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krithika Suresh
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Julia M Dixon
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, 12631 E. 17th Ave, Room 2612, MS C326, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Chandni Patel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, 12631 E. 17th Ave, Room 2612, MS C326, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Brenda Beaty
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (ACCORDS), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Deborah J Del Junco
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shaheem de Vries
- Emergency Medical Services, Western Cape Government Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hendrick J Lategan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elmin Steyn
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Janette Verster
- Division of Forensic Medicine, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Steven G Schauer
- U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, San Antonio Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Tyson E Becker
- Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Cord Cunningham
- Joint Trauma System, Defense Health Agency, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sean Keenan
- Joint Trauma System, Defense Health Agency, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, The Center for COMBAT Research, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ernest E Moore
- Ernest E Moore Shock Trauma Center, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Lee A Wallis
- Emergency Medical Services, Western Cape Government Health, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Navneet Baidwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, 12631 E. 17th Ave, Room 2612, MS C326, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Bailey K Fosdick
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Adit A Ginde
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, 12631 E. 17th Ave, Room 2612, MS C326, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Vikhyat S Bebarta
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, 12631 E. 17th Ave, Room 2612, MS C326, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, The Center for COMBAT Research, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nee-Kofi Mould-Millman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, 12631 E. 17th Ave, Room 2612, MS C326, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dobson GP, Morris JL, Letson HL. Why are bleeding trauma patients still dying? Towards a systems hypothesis of trauma. Front Physiol 2022; 13:990903. [PMID: 36148305 PMCID: PMC9485567 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.990903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the years, many explanations have been put forward to explain early and late deaths following hemorrhagic trauma. Most include single-event, sequential contributions from sympathetic hyperactivity, endotheliopathy, trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC), hyperinflammation, immune dysfunction, ATP deficit and multiple organ failure (MOF). We view early and late deaths as a systems failure, not as a series of manifestations that occur over time. The traditional approach appears to be a by-product of last century’s highly reductionist, single-nodal thinking, which also extends to patient management, drug treatment and drug design. Current practices appear to focus more on alleviating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying problem. In this review, we discuss the importance of the system, and focus on the brain’s “privilege” status to control secondary injury processes. Loss of status from blood brain barrier damage may be responsible for poor outcomes. We present a unified Systems Hypothesis Of Trauma (SHOT) which involves: 1) CNS-cardiovascular coupling, 2) Endothelial-glycocalyx health, and 3) Mitochondrial integrity. If central control of cardiovascular coupling is maintained, we hypothesize that the endothelium will be protected, mitochondrial energetics will be maintained, and immune dysregulation, inflammation, TIC and MOF will be minimized. Another overlooked contributor to early and late deaths following hemorrhagic trauma is from the trauma of emergent surgery itself. This adds further stress to central control of secondary injury processes. New point-of-care drug therapies are required to switch the body’s genomic and proteomic programs from an injury phenotype to a survival phenotype. Currently, no drug therapy exists that targets the whole system following major trauma.
Collapse
|
14
|
Dobson GP, Morris JL, Letson HL. Immune dysfunction following severe trauma: A systems failure from the central nervous system to mitochondria. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:968453. [PMID: 36111108 PMCID: PMC9468749 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.968453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
When a traumatic injury exceeds the body's internal tolerances, the innate immune and inflammatory systems are rapidly activated, and if not contained early, increase morbidity and mortality. Early deaths after hospital admission are mostly from central nervous system (CNS) trauma, hemorrhage and circulatory collapse (30%), and later deaths from hyperinflammation, immunosuppression, infection, sepsis, acute respiratory distress, and multiple organ failure (20%). The molecular drivers of secondary injury include damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and other immune-modifying agents that activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic stress response. Despite a number of drugs targeting specific anti-inflammatory and immune pathways showing promise in animal models, the majority have failed to translate. Reasons for failure include difficulty to replicate the heterogeneity of humans, poorly designed trials, inappropriate use of specific pathogen-free (SPF) animals, ignoring sex-specific differences, and the flawed practice of single-nodal targeting. Systems interconnectedness is a major overlooked factor. We argue that if the CNS is protected early after major trauma and control of cardiovascular function is maintained, the endothelial-glycocalyx will be protected, sufficient oxygen will be delivered, mitochondrial energetics will be maintained, inflammation will be resolved and immune dysfunction will be minimized. The current challenge is to develop new systems-based drugs that target the CNS coupling of whole-body function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey P. Dobson
- Heart and Trauma Research Laboratory, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Feng K, Dai W, Liu L, Li S, Gou Y, Chen Z, Chen G, Fu X. Identification of biomarkers and the mechanisms of multiple trauma complicated with sepsis using metabolomics. Front Public Health 2022; 10:923170. [PMID: 35991069 PMCID: PMC9387941 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.923170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis after trauma increases the risk of mortality rate for patients in intensive care unit (ICUs). Currently, it is difficult to predict outcomes in individual patients with sepsis due to the complexity of causative pathogens and the lack of specific treatment. This study aimed to identify metabolomic biomarkers in patients with multiple trauma and those with multiple trauma accompanied with sepsis. Therefore, the metabolic profiles of healthy persons designated as normal controls (NC), multiple trauma patients (MT), and multiple trauma complicated with sepsis (MTS) (30 cases in each group) were analyzed with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS)-based untargeted plasma metabolomics using collected plasma samples. The differential metabolites were enriched in amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, glycometabolism and nucleotide metabolism. Then, nine potential biomarkers, namely, acrylic acid, 5-amino-3-oxohexanoate, 3b-hydroxy-5-cholenoic acid, cytidine, succinic acid semialdehyde, PE [P-18:1(9Z)/16:1(9Z)], sphinganine, uracil, and uridine, were found to be correlated with clinical variables and validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Finally, the three potential biomarkers succinic acid semialdehyde, uracil and uridine were validated and can be applied in the clinical diagnosis of multiple traumas complicated with sepsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Feng
- Department of Emergency, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Wenjie Dai
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Shengming Li
- Department of Emergency, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yi Gou
- Department of Emergency, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Zhongwei Chen
- Department of Emergency, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Guodong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- *Correspondence: Guodong Chen
| | - Xufeng Fu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Xufeng Fu
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tupetz A, Barcenas LK, Isaacson JE, Nickenig Vissoci JR, Gerald V, Kingazi JR, Mushi I, Peter TA, Staton CA, Mmbaga BT, Bettger JP. "I Don't Do Anything; I'm Just Being Taken Care Of": Experiences of Patients and Their Caregivers Transitioning Back into the Community Following Traumatic Injury in Northern Tanzania. TRAUMA CARE 2022; 2:341-358. [PMID: 37274128 PMCID: PMC10238087 DOI: 10.3390/traumacare2020028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
After discharge from the hospital for traumatic injury, patients and their caregivers face a period of increased vulnerability. This adjustment phase is poorly characterized, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We explored the experiences of patients and their caregivers in Northern Tanzania after hospitalization for a traumatic injury. Patients who received care for traumatic injury at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center and their caregivers were selected as part of a convenience sample from January 2019 to December 2019. Analysts developed a codebook; content and analytic memos were subsequently created. We then applied the biopsychosocial model to further characterize our findings. Participants included 26 patients and 11 caregivers. Patients were mostly middle-aged (mean age 37.7) males (80.8%), residing in urban settings (57.7%), injured in road traffic accidents (65.4%), and who required surgery (69.2%). Most caregivers were female. Seven major themes arose: pain, decreased physical functioning, poor emotional health, lack of support, challenges with daily activities, financial strain, and obstacles to accessing healthcare. This study describes some of the difficulties transitioning back into the community after hospitalization for traumatic injury. Our work demonstrates the importance of mixed methods approaches in characterizing and addressing transitions of care challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tupetz
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Loren K. Barcenas
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | | | - Irene Mushi
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Catherine A. Staton
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
- Paediatric and Child Health Department, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
- Clinical Trial Department, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Janet Prvu Bettger
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Peek-Asa C, Coman MA, Zorn A, Chikhladze N, Cebanu S, Tadevosyan A, Hamann CJ. Association of traumatic brain injury severity and time to definitive care in three low-middle-income European countries. Inj Prev 2022; 28:54-60. [PMID: 33910969 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2020-044049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-middle-income countries experience among the highest rates of traumatic brain injury in the world. Much of this burden may be preventable with faster intervention, including reducing the time to definitive care. This study examines the relationship between traumatic brain injury severity and time to definitive care in major trauma hospitals in three low-middle-income countries. METHODS A prospective traumatic brain injury registry was implemented in six trauma hospitals in Armenia, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova for 6 months in 2019. Brain injury severity was measured using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at admission. Time to definitive care was the time from injury until arrival at the hospital. Cox proportionate hazards models predicted time to care by severity, controlling for age, sex, mechanism, mode of transportation, location of injury and country. RESULTS Among 1135 patients, 749 (66.0%) were paediatric and 386 (34.0%) were adults. Falls and road traffic were the most common mechanisms. A higher proportion of adult (23.6%) than paediatric (5.4%) patients had GCS scores indicating moderate (GCS 9-11) or severe injury (GCS 0-8) (p<0.001). Less severe injury was associated with shorter times to care, while more severe injury was associated with longer times to care (HR=1.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.09). Age interacted with time to care, with paediatric cases receiving faster care. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of standard triage and transport protocols may reduce mortality and improve outcomes from traumatic brain injury, and trauma systems should focus on the most severe injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Peek-Asa
- Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Madalina Adina Coman
- Public Health, Babes-Bolyai University Faculty of Political Administrative and Communication Sciences, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - Alison Zorn
- Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Nino Chikhladze
- Public Health, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Serghei Cebanu
- Department of Hygiene, Moldova State University, Chisinau, Moldova (the Republic of)
| | - Artashes Tadevosyan
- Department of Public Health and Healthcare Organization, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Cara J Hamann
- Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Relationship Between Prehospital Time and 24-h Mortality in Road Traffic-Injured Patients in Laos. World J Surg 2022; 46:800-806. [PMID: 35041060 PMCID: PMC8885552 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06445-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Road traffic injury has long been regarded as a “time-dependent disease.” However, shortening the prehospital time might not improve the outcome in developing countries given the current quality of in-hospital care. We aimed to examine the relationship between the prehospital time and 24-h mortality among road traffic victims in Laos. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted using the trauma registry data on traffic-injured patients who were transported by ambulance to a trauma center in the capital city of Laos from May 2018 to April 2019. The analysis focused on patients with non-mild conditions, whose outcomes could be affected by the prehospital time. To examine the relationship between a prehospital time of <60 min and 24-h mortality, a generalized estimating equation model was used incorporating the inverse probability weights utilizing the propensity score for the prehospital time. Results Of 701 patients, 73% were men, 91% were riding 2- or 3-wheel motor vehicles during the crash, and 68% had a prehospital time of <60 min. A total of 35 patients died within 24 h after the crash. Compared with those who survived, individuals who died tended to have head and torso injuries. The proportions of 24-h mortality were 4.7% and 5.4% in patients whose prehospital time was <60 min and ≥60 min, respectively. No significant relationship was found between the prehospital time and 24-h mortality. Conclusion A shorter prehospital time was not associated with the 24-h survival among road traffic victims in Laos. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00268-022-06445-9.
Collapse
|
19
|
Magyar CTJ, Bednarski P, Jakob DA, Schnüriger B. Severe penetrating trauma in Switzerland: first analysis of the Swiss Trauma Registry (STR). Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2021; 48:3837-3846. [PMID: 34727193 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-021-01822-w] [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: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the epidemiology, demographics, injury characteristics and outcomes of patients who presented to Swiss trauma centers following severe penetrating trauma. METHODS Swiss Trauma Registry (STR)-cohort analysis including patients with severe (ISS ≥ 16 or AIS head ≥ 3) penetrating trauma between 2017 and 2019. Primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes were hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), and prehospital times. RESULTS During the 3-year study period, 134 (1.6% of entire STR) patients with severe penetrating trauma were identified [64 (48%) gunshot wounds (GSW), 70 (52%) stab wounds (SW)]. Median age was 40.5 (IQR 29.0-59.0) and 82.8% were male. Mortality rate was 50% for GSW; 9% for SW. Overall, prehospital time [incident to arrival emergency department (ED)] was 65 (IQR 45-94) minutes. The median number of patients admitted for a severe GSW/SW per center and year was 2 (range 0-14). Of 64 patients who sustained a GSW, 42 (65.6%) were self-inflicted. Mortality in self-inflicted GSW reached 66.7%, with the head being severely injured in 78.6%. The 67 patients with severe isolated torso GSW/SW had an ISS of 20 (IQR 16-26) and a mortality of 15%. Multivariable analysis identified severe chest trauma, ED Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8, age, self-infliction, massive blood transfusion and ISS as independent predictors for mortality. CONCLUSION Severe penetrating trauma is very rare in Switzerland. Mortality ranges from 9% in SW to 67% in self-inflicted GSW. Particularly in the setting of GSW/SW to the torso, reduction in prehospital time may further improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian T J Magyar
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Piotr Bednarski
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dominik A Jakob
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Beat Schnüriger
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yilmaz S, Ak R, Hokenek NM, Yilmaz E, Tataroglu O. Comparison of trauma scores and total prehospital time in the prediction of clinical course in a plane crash: Does timing matter? Am J Emerg Med 2021; 50:301-308. [PMID: 34425323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.08.029] [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: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate how the total prehospital time (TPT), Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), and Trauma Score-Injury Severity Score (TRISS) affect the outcome of plane crash victims from anatomical, physiological and psychological perspectives. The accuracy or strength of these scores and TPT in predicting hospitalization and surgery, sequelae development and psychiatric complications [permanent temporary disability (PoTDs)] and PTSD can allow medical professionals to direct and prioritize management efforts of the victims of mass casualties in general. METHODS The study was designed as a single-center retrospective study. By examining the records of victims of a plane crash transferred to the ED, AIS, ISS, TRISS and TPT were calculated on admission. The clinical severity of the patients was determined by a joint decision of five clinicians. The performances of the trauma scores on hospitalization, surgery, PTSD and PoTDs were compared. The study data were analyzed via the Mann-Whitney U test and descriptive statistical methods. Pearson's chi-square test was used for the comparison of qualitative data, and ROC analyses were employed to determine cutoff levels. RESULTS The AIS, ISS, and TRISS scores of the victims with an indication for hospitalization, calculated on admission to the ED, were significantly higher than those of the other victims (p = 0.001). In addition, TPT, AIS, ISS, and TRISS scores were significantly higher in hospitalized patients than in outpatients (p < 0.05). The cutoff levels for AIS and ISS were ≥ 1.50 and ≥ 4.50, respectively, while they were ≥ 123.5 min for TPT with regard to hospitalization decisions. The AIS, ISS, and TRISS scores calculated on admission for the patients who underwent surgery were significantly higher than those who did not (p = 0.001). Cutoff levels for AIS and ISS were ≥ 2.50 and ≥ 11.50, respectively, while they were ≥ 135.5 min for TPT with respect to the decision to operate on the victims. CONCLUSIONS It is expected that everyone who practices medicine be equipped to handle multiple casualties. As the number of people involved in mass casualties increases, diagnostic tools, workups such as laboratory and radiological studies, and prognostic markers such as trauma scores should be simpler and more user-friendly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarper Yilmaz
- University of Health Sciences, Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rohat Ak
- University of Health Sciences, Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nihat Mujdat Hokenek
- University of Health Sciences, Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Erdal Yilmaz
- University of Health Sciences, Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Tataroglu
- University of Health Sciences, Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nilsbakken IMW, Sollid S, Wisborg T, Jeppesen E. Dispatch, Prehospital time, Interventions and Outcomes in a Norwegian Trauma population – assessing initial trauma management in urban and rural areas. The DIONT-project: a national registry-based research protocol (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 11:e30656. [PMID: 35713952 PMCID: PMC9250065 DOI: 10.2196/30656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Time is considered an essential determinant in the initial care of trauma patients. In Norway, response time (ie, time from dispatch center call to ambulance arrival at scene) is a controversial national quality indicator. However, no national requirements for response times have been established. There is an ongoing debate regarding the optimal configuration of the Norwegian trauma system. The recent centralization of trauma services and closure of emergency hospitals have increased prehospital transport distances, predominantly for rural trauma patients. However, the impact of trauma system configuration on early trauma management in urban and rural areas is inadequately described. Objective The project will assess injured patients’ initial pathways through the trauma system and explore differences between central and rural areas in a Norwegian trauma cohort. This field is unexplored at the national level, and existing evidence for an optimal organization of trauma care is still inconclusive regarding the impact of prehospital time. Methods Three quantitative registry-based retrospective cohort studies are planned. The studies are based on data from the Norwegian Trauma Registry (NTR; studies 1, 2, and 3) and the local Emergency Medical Communications Center (study 2). All injured patients admitted to a Norwegian hospital and registered in the NTR in the period between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020, will be included in the analysis. Trauma registry data will be analyzed using descriptive and relevant statistical methods to compare prehospital time in rural and central areas, including regression analyses and adjusting for confounders. Results The project received funding in fall 2020 and was approved by the Oslo University Hospital data protection officer, case number 18/02592. Registry data including approximately 40,000 trauma patients will be extracted during the first quarter of 2022, and analysis will begin immediately thereafter. Results are expected to be ready for publication from the third quarter of 2022. Conclusions Findings from the study will contribute to new knowledge regarding existing quality indicators and with an increasing centralization of hospitals and residents, the study will contribute to further development of the Norwegian trauma system. A high generalizability to other trauma systems is expected, given the similarities between demographical changes and trauma systems in many high-income countries. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/30656
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inger Marie Waal Nilsbakken
- Department of Research, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Stephen Sollid
- Department of Research, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Torben Wisborg
- Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Trauma, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Hammerfest Hospital, Hammerfest, Norway
- Interprofessional Rural Research Team - Finnmark, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø - Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Jeppesen
- Department of Research, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| |
Collapse
|