Two hospitals with 1 trauma system: A joint approach to the care of the injured patient

Randeep S. Jawa, David H. Young, Michel Wagner, Diane Yetter, Valerie Shostrom, Samuel Cemaj, Lawrence Nelson, Robert Ramey, Megan Sorensen, Michelle Schwedhelm, David W Mercer, Joseph Clarke Stothert Jr

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Trauma centers are closing at an alarming rate, but the need for trauma care persists. This article shows the sustainability and feasibility of a joint trauma system whereby 2 university-affiliated hospitals function as a single trauma center system in a moderate-sized city. Methods: Since 1994, 3 days per week, trauma patients are transported by emergency medical services (EMS) to hospital A. The other 4 days they are transported to hospital B. Trauma registry data from 1994 to 2008 were analyzed. Cost data were also examined. Results: The joint system admitted 28,338 trauma patients. On each center's nontrauma days, trauma team activation was required infrequently. The 2 centers share costs; they perform joint outreach, educational training, and quality control. The joint trauma system has been sustained since 1994. Conclusions: Two hospitals functioning as a single trauma center system is a viable model of care for injured patients in a moderate-sized city with mostly blunt trauma.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)454-460
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican journal of surgery
Volume203
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2012

Keywords

  • Cost
  • Hospital
  • Joint trauma
  • Organization
  • System

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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