Trauma care capacity and performance in Texas: Regional comparisons

Objective. The study reviewed one year of Texas hospital discharge data and Trauma Registry data for the 22 trauma services regions in Texas to identify regional variations in capacity, process of care and clinical outcomes for trauma patients, and analyze the statistical associations among capacity, process of care, and outcomes. ^ Methods. Cross sectional study design covering one year of state-wide Texas data. Indicators of trauma capacity, trauma care processes, and clinical outcomes were defined and data were collected on each indicator. Descriptive analyses were conducted of regional variations in trauma capacity, process of care, and clinical outcomes at all trauma centers, at Level I and II trauma centers and at Level III and IV trauma centers. Multilevel regression models were performed to test the relations among trauma capacity, process of care, and outcome measures at all trauma centers, at Level I and II trauma centers and at Level III and IV trauma centers while controlling for confounders such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, injury severity, level of trauma centers and urbanization. ^ Results. Significant regional variation was found among the 22 trauma services regions across Texas in trauma capacity, process of care, and clinical outcomes. The regional trauma bed rate, the average staffed bed per 100,000 varied significantly by trauma service region. Pre-hospital trauma care processes were significantly variable by region---EMS time, transfer time, and triage. Clinical outcomes including mortality, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, and hospital charges also varied significantly by region. In multilevel regression analysis, the average trauma bed rate was significantly related to trauma care processes including ambulance delivery time, transfer time, and triage after controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, injury severity, level of trauma centers, and urbanization at all trauma centers. Transfer time only among processes of care was significant with the average trauma bed rate by region at Level III and IV. Also trauma mortality only among outcomes measures was significantly associated with the average trauma bed rate by region at all trauma centers. Hospital charges only among outcomes measures were statistically related to trauma bed rate at Level I and II trauma centers. The effect of confounders on processes and outcomes such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, injury severity, and urbanization was found significantly variable by level of trauma centers. ^ Conclusions. Regional variation in trauma capacity, process, and outcomes in Texas was extensive. Trauma capacity, age, gender, race/ethnicity, injury severity, level of trauma centers and urbanization were significantly associated with trauma process and clinical outcomes depending on level of trauma centers. ^ Key words: regionalized trauma systems, trauma capacity, pre-hospital trauma care, process, trauma outcomes, trauma performance, evaluation measures, regional variations ^

SEVERE HEAD TRAUMA, EMERGENCY TRANSPORT, AND PATIENT OUTCOME

Trauma and severe head injuries are important issues because they are prevalent, because they occur predominantly in the young, and because variations in clinical management may matter. Trauma is the leading cause of death for those under age 40. The focus of this head injury study is to determine if variations in time from the scene of accident to a trauma center hospital makes a difference in patient outcomes.^ A trauma registry is maintained in the Houston-Galveston area and includes all patients admitted to any one of three trauma center hospitals with mild or severe head injuries. A study cohort, derived from the Registry, includes 254 severe head injury cases, for 1980, with a Glasgow Coma Score of 8 or less.^ Multiple influences relate to patient outcomes from severe head injury. Two primary variables and four confounding variables are identified, including time to emergency room, time to intubation, patient age, severity of injury, type of injury and mode of transport to the emergency room. Regression analysis, analysis of variance, and chi-square analysis were the principal statistical methods utilized.^ Analysis indicates that within an urban setting, with a four-hour time span, variations in time to emergency room do not provide any strong influence or predictive value to patient outcome. However, data are suggestive that at longer time periods there is a negative influence on outcomes. Age is influential only when the older group (55-64) is included. Mode of transport (helicopter or ambulance) did not indicate any significant difference in outcome.^ In a multivariate regression model, outcomes are influenced primarily by severity of injury and age which explain 36% (R('2)) of variance. Inclusion of time to emergency room, time to intubation, transport mode and type injury add only 4% (R('2)) additional contribution to explaining variation in patient outcome.^ The research concludes that since the group most at risk to head trauma is the young adult male involved in automobile/motorcycle accidents, more may be gained by modifying driving habits and other preventive measures. Continuous clinical and evaluative research are required to provide updated clinical wisdom in patient management and trauma treatment protocols. A National Institute of Trauma may be required to develop a national public policy and evaluate the many medical, behavioral and social changes required to cope with the country's number 3 killer and the primary killer of young adults.^

From The Holding Cell to the Holding Environment: Applying an Intersubjective Approach into Trauma Treatment with Women in the Correctional Setting

Abstract This paper investigates themes and parallels related to the traumatic experiences women face within the correctional setting and how these experiences influence women's behavior choices that increase their risk of recidivism. Intersubjective Systems Theory is used to conceptualize the distinct dynamics and impact of trauma with this particular population. Intersubjectivity also informs the changes needed to create an environment that would help women in correctional settings to heal, avoid recidivism, and foster successful community reintegration. Principles from Intersubjective Systems Theory are reviewed in this paper to demonstrate: (a) how developmental trauma impacts the lives of incarcerated women, (b) how these women's attempts at self-healing are often maladaptive and lead to arrests, (c) how the current climate in corrections leads to retraumatization and promotes later recidivism, and (d) what changes in the corrections system would promote optimal healing and better outcomes for incarcerated women. Improved outcomes are defined as healthy boundaries, empowerment in choice of relationships, improvement of social support and occupational skills, and reduction of relapse and recidivism.

Gender-sensitive reporting in medical research

Sex and gender differences influence the health and wellbeing of men and women. Although studies have drawn attention to observed differences between women and men across diseases, remarkably little research has been pursued to systematically investigate these underlying sex differences. Women continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials, and even in studies in which both men and women participate, systematic analysis of data to identify potential sex-based differences is lacking. Standards for reporting of clinical trials have been established to ensure provision of complete, transparent and critical information. An important step in addressing the gender imbalance would be inclusion of a gender perspective in the next Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guideline revision. Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals, as a set of well-recognized and widely used guidelines for authors and biomedical journals, should similarly emphasize the ethical obligation of authors to present data analyzed by gender as a matter of routine. Journal editors are also promoters of ethical research and adequate standards of reporting, and requirements for inclusion of gender analyses should be integrated into editorial policies as a matter of urgency.

The Racial Equality Directive – from law to practice. IES Policy Brief Issue 2013/07/September 2013

The transposition of the Racial Equality Directive (2000/43/EC) has immensely enhanced legal protection against discrimination on the grounds of racial and ethnic origin throughout the EU. More than 10 years after its adoption, the main challenge identified in many Member States is the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in practice, in particular with regard to access to justice. Ultimately it is up to the domestic courts to ensure effective implementation of anti-discrimination law. Polls regularly show that the discrepancy between the levels of discrimination experienced and discrimination reported by victims must be seriously addressed. Awareness is low not only among the public but also among the members of the legal professions, leading to under-reporting of discrimination cases. In addition, data that reflect the ethnic or racial composition of the population are scarce which makes it difficult to prove discrimination before the competent authorities. Moreover, certain procedural difficulties that affect access to justice and effective enforcement also stem from the short limitation periods foreseen in legislation, lengthy procedures, evidence, high costs and failures in the provision of legal aid, ineffective sanctions, as well as barriers in the form of language and issues relating to legal standing or legitimate interest. The law remains complex and remedies often inadequate.

The pharmacist's contribution towards monitoring and reporting adverse drug reactions

The activities and function of the West Midlands Adverse Drug Reaction Study Group are described. The impact of the Group on the reporting of adverse drug reactions to the CSM by the yellow card system has been evaluated in several ways including a comparison with the Trent Region. The role of the pharmacist in the Group is highlighted. A nationwide survey of the hospital pharmacist's involvement in adverse drug reaction reporting and monitoring is described, the results are reported and discussed. The available sources of information on adverse drug reactions, both primary and secondary, are critically reviewed. A checklist of necessary details for case reports is developed and examples of problems in the literature are given. The contribution of the drug information pharmacist in answering enquiries and encouraging reporting is examined. A role for the ward pharmacist in identifying, reporting, documenting and following up adverse drug reactions is proposed. Studies conducted to support this role are described and the results discussed. The ward pharmacist's role in preventing adverse drug reactions is also outlined. The reporting of adverse drug reactions in Australia is contrasted with the U.K. and particular attention is drawn to the pharmacist's contribution in the former. The problems in evaluating drug safety are discussed and examples are given where serious reactions have only been recognised after many patients have been exposed. To remedy this situation a case is made for enhancing the CSM yellow card scheme by further devolution of reporting, increasing the involvement of pharmacists and improving arrangements at the CSM. It is proposed that pharmacists should undertake the responsibility for reporting reactions to the CSM in some instances.

Engaging autobiography:mobility trauma and international relations

This article outlines the possibilities of autobiographical stories to criticize status quo iterations of International Relations (IR). The article draws on the personal experiences of the author’s deportation order issued by the United Kingdom’s Home Office and its associated Border Agency (UKBA) to challenge the accepted assumptions of a cosmopolitan worldview as it relates to orderly international institutional design. It highlights the possibilities of trauma when border management and personal mobility collide. It suggests that mobility trauma ensues when the expectations of human mobility, outlined in Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, infringe the state’s role as security provider. It begins in part one with a challenge to the traditional role and understanding of international borders that sustain order within the international. It examines the unacknowledged role that human vulnerability plays within IR and institutional design while frankly engaging with human vulnerability and trauma in the second section. This section details the experiences of the author when her mobility rights were curtailed and the ensuing identity crisis prompted by such events. The final section investigates the ideas of critical cosmopolitan scholarship demanding that such discourses acknowledge and work through the possibility of failed agency when the demands of state security supersede individual mobility rights. It turns to the possibility of traumatic iterations of IR in order to probe such possibilities. The article suggests, in its conclusion, the possibility of storytelling and psychoanalysis to endorse unorthodox agency, and the possibility of a dynamic international institutional design, that challenges the status quo iterations of IR.

Screening for Sexual Trauma, Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health Symptoms among HIV Positive South African Women

Background: The psychological sequelae of sexual trauma and physical intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure can lead to poor HIV care outcomes, including poor treatment adherence. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with mental health symptoms and trauma among HIV positive women. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of screening for trauma and mental health symptoms among HIV positive South African women. Finally, the study aimed to elicit healthcare workers’ perceptions related to sexual trauma and the provision of care and services for HIV positive women with trauma histories.

Methods: The study utilized a mixed-methods approach that included a cross-sectional survey of 70 HIV positive women recruited through referral sampling and key informant interviews with seven healthcare workers (HCWs). A study-screening instrument consisting of 24 items from standard measures was used to screen women for sexual trauma, physical intimate partner violence (IPV), depression and PTSD. Sexual trauma and IPV were assessed across the lifetime, while depression and PTSD were current assessments. Logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between trauma exposure and mental health symptoms, while controlling for age and education. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed for emergent themes on HCWs perceptions on sexual trauma and HIV care.

Results: Among participants, 51% had sexual trauma experience and 75% had intimate partner violence (IPV) experience. Among participants, 36% met screening criteria for major depression; among those with traumatic experiences (n=57), 70% met screening criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compared to having no sexual trauma or IPV exposure, having both sexual trauma and IPV was significantly associated with higher odds of depression (OR = 8.11; 95% CI 1.48-44.34), while having either IPV or sexual trauma individually was not significantly associated with increased odds of depression. Compared to having either IPV or sexual trauma, having both sexual trauma and IPV was not significantly associated with PTSD. Responses from participants’ feedback on screening process suggest that screening was feasible and acceptable to participants. Some of the health care workers (HCWs) did not perceive dealing with trauma to be part of their duties, but instead viewed social workers or psychologists as the appropriate health cadre to provide care related to trauma and mental health.

Conclusions: High levels of sexual trauma, IPV and mental health distress were reported among HIV positive women in this setting. Screening for trauma and mental health symptoms was acceptable to the participants, but several challenges were encountered in implementing screening. Given the potential impact of trauma and mental health on HIV care engagement, interventions to address trauma and its psychological sequelae are needed.

Barriers to reporting child maltreatment: do emergency medical services professionals fully understand their role as mandatory reporters?

BACKGROUND: Child maltreatment is underreported in the United States and in North Carolina. In North Carolina and other states, mandatory reporting laws require various professionals to make reports, thereby helping to reduce underreporting of child maltreatment. This study aims to understand why emergency medical services (EMS) professionals may fail to report suspicions of maltreatment despite mandatory reporting policies. METHODS: A web-based, anonymous, voluntary survey of EMS professionals in North Carolina was used to assess knowledge of their agency's written protocols and potential reasons for underreporting suspicion of maltreatment (n=444). Results were based on descriptive statistics. Responses of line staff and leadership personnel were compared using chi-square analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent of respondents were unaware of their agency's written protocols regarding reporting of child maltreatment. Additionally, 25% of EMS professionals who knew of their agency's protocol incorrectly believed that the report should be filed by someone other than the person with firsthand knowledge of the suspected maltreatment. Leadership personnel generally understood reporting requirements better than did line staff. Respondents indicated that peers may fail to report maltreatment for several reasons: they believe another authority would file the report, including the hospital (52.3%) or law enforcement (27.7%); they are uncertain whether they had witnessed abuse (47.7%); and they are uncertain about what should be reported (41.4%). LIMITATIONS: This survey may not generalize to all EMS professionals in North Carolina. CONCLUSIONS: Training opportunities for EMS professionals that address proper identification and reporting of child maltreatment, as well as cross-agency information sharing, are warranted.

Bridging the link between trauma, brain development and depression: epigenetic mechanisms

Despite its large impact on the individual and society, we currently have only a rudimentary understanding of the biological basis of Major Depressive Disorder, even less so in adolescent populations. This thesis focuses on two research questions. First, how do adolescents with depression differ from adolescents who have never been depressed on (1a) brain morphology and (1b) DNA methylation? We studied differences in the fronto-limbic system (a collection of areas responsible for emotion regulation) and methylation at the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) and FK506 binding protein gene (FKBP5) genes (two genes strongly linked to stress regulation and depression). Second, how does childhood trauma, which is known to increase risk for depression, affect (2a) brain development and (2b) SLC6A4 and FKBP5 methylation? Further, (2c) how might DNA methylation explain how trauma affects brain development in depression? We studied these questions in 24 adolescent depressed patients and 21 controls. We found that (1a) depressed adolescents had decreased left precuneus volume and greater volume of the left precentral gyrus compared to controls; however, no differences in fronto-limbic morphology were identified. Moreover, (1b) individuals with depression had lower levels of FKBP5 methylation than controls. In line with our second hypothesis (2a) greater levels of trauma were associated with decreased volume of a number of fronto-limbic regions. Further, we found that (2b) greater trauma was associated with decreased SLC6A4, but not FKBP5, methylation. Finally, (2c) greater FKBP5, but not SLC6A4, methylation was associated with decreased volume of a number of fronto-limbic regions. The results of this study suggest an association among trauma, DNA methylation and brain development in youth, but the direction of these relationships appears to be inconsistent. Future studies using a longitudinal design will be necessary to clarify these results and help us understand how the brain and epigenome change over time in depressed youth.

Liver trauma. Diagnosis and treatment

The authors summarize the essential steps in liver surgery. Modern imaging techniques are of great help in establishing a circumstantiated diagnosis of post-traumatic lesions of the intra-abdominal parenchymatous organs, and especially the liver. Such diagnosis must always be based on the AAST (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma) classification, essential for a correct approach. Each therapeutic choice must be based on a careful clinical evaluation to establish whether emergency exploration of the abdomen or simple patient monitoring is indicated. Organ injuries and consequent hemoperitoneum must be found and quantified. In any case, diagnosis and treatment must only begin once all measures have been taken to ensure the maintenance of vital functions and the normalization of the main blood chemistry parameters.

Comportamiento de la patología biliar aguda y su manejo en el servicio de trauma y emergencia del Hospital "Vicente Corral Moscoso" Cuenca. Enero a junio de 2014

La patología biliar afecta a un gran porcentaje de la población adulta, motivo por el cual su tratamiento en la actualidad ha cambiado hacia un nuevo paradigma de cuidado bajo el concepto de “Acute Care Surgery” (ACS) 1 el cual se caracteriza por priorizar la valoración integral del paciente e intervención precoz de la patología. En el Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso (HVCM) bajo este modelo ACS, y mediante la utilización de protocolos estandarizados se ha logrado dar un giro importante en el tratamiento oportuno de la patología biliar mediante la utilización de herramientas habituales como pruebas de laboratorio, imagenología y si es el caso, la resolución quirúrgica mediante técnica mínimamente invasiva o por vía convencional. OBJETIVO: Describir el comportamiento de la patología biliar y su manejo en el servicio de Trauma y Emergencias del Hospital “Vicente Corral Moscoso”, durante el período de enero a junio de 2014, bajo el modelo ACS. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo transversal, que analizó los casos de colecistitis aguda litiásica (CAL), coledocolitiasis, pancreatitis aguda biliar (PAB) y su manejo, registrado en la base de datos digital del servicio de Emergencias del Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso, bajo criterios clínicos, de laboratorio e imagenológicos, durante el periodo de enero a junio del 2014. RESULTADOS: El estudio contó con un total de 240 pacientes atendidos en el servicio de Trauma y Emergencia del HVCM, durante el periodo de enero a junio de 2014. La patología en orden de frecuencia fue: en un 47%, la Coledocolitiasis; 35% colecistitis aguda y, pancreatitis aguda biliar 18%. La prevalencia fue mayor en el sexo femenino en un 85%, 67%, y 81% respectivamente y el tratamiento se adaptó a cada patología. 1 Acute Care Surgery” (ACS): si bien no existe una definición literal hace referencia a una disciplina tripartita que engloba la cirugía de trauma, general en emergencias y cuidados críticos quirúrgicos, y que prioriza la identificación y manejo de las patologías potencialmente letales y de alta morbilidad. En nuestro medio lo más próximo a la definición seria Cirugía de Trauma y Emergencias. El manejo de la pancreatitis aguda biliar (PAB) bajo el concepto de cuidado agudo de pacientes quirúrgicos o “Acute Care Surgery” hace indispensable una intervención oportuna y temprana, utilizando todos los recursos disponibles para un manejo integral. CONCLUSIONES: La implementación del modelo de Cirugía de Trauma y Emergencias en nuestra institución ha logrado un manejo integral de colecistitis aguda litiásica, pancreatitis aguda biliar y coledocolitiasis, disminuyendo las complicaciones asociadas y evitando las recidivas de cuadros de mayor gravedad.

Impacto del programa educativo en el conocimiento del protocolo de atención prehospitalaria aplicado por socorristas en trauma. Machala 2011 – 2012

Los socorristas de traumatizados en el área pre-hospitalaria en la ciudad de Machala, carecen de profesionales con formación académica de tercer nivel, en su mayoría son bachilleres con cursos básicos de primeros auxilios Objetivo.- Determinar el impacto de un programa educativo en el nivel de conocimiento de los protocolos de atención en trauma, usados por los socorristas que laboran en atención pre-hospitalaria de la ciudad de Machala. Métodos.-Realizamos un estudio cuasi experimental con dos grupos: Grupo estudio (n: 46) y grupo control (n: 45). Muestra obtenida de forma no aleatoria por conveniencia. Los socorristas fueron evaluados al inicio del estudio por un test previamente establecido, al grupo de estudio se aplicó un programa educativo, al grupo control no se lo intervino. Dos meses después se evaluó el impacto del programa. Resultados.- El programa educativo mejora el conocimiento global un 43% en el grupo de estudio. El impacto del programa de la atención pre-hospitalaria demostró un incremento en conocimientos: en respiratorio 56%; 67.9% en circulatorio y el 19.2% en neurológico; pero disminuye: en vía aérea 10.9% y 7.6% en la exposición de la víctima. El Riesgo relativo luego de la intervención es de 4.45 y se necesita aplicar el programa educativo a dos personas para mejorar una (NNT -2.4). Conclusión.- El programa educativo es útil para mejorar el conocimiento sobre atención pre-hospitalaria en trauma, sin lograr en los participantes alcanzar el nivel esperado por lo heterogéneo de su formación académica

Frecuencia y características del trauma en pacientes de 0 a 16 años que acuden a emergencia del Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso julio-diciembre, Cuenca 2014

ANTECEDENTES: la elevada concurrencia de pacientes pediátricos a las salas de emergencia de los diferentes hospitales por causas traumáticas, ha generado preocupación en la colectividad y principalmente en las personas que laboran en las casas de salud. OBJETIVO GENERAL: determinar la frecuencia y las características del trauma en pacientes de 0 a 16 años que acuden a emergencia del Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso de la ciudad de Cuenca, en un período comprendido entre julio a diciembre del 2014. METODOLOGÍA: se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo-retrospectivo, mediante la revisión de historias clínicas de emergencia y formularios del SOAT. En el periodo de estudio se registraron 6891 consultas en la emergencia, de los cuales 3128 pacientes de 0 a 16 años consultaron por trauma. Se valoraron variables como: sexo, edad, área de residencia, causas, escenario físico, persona o institución que lleva al niño, forma de transporte, tipos de lesiones, el horario y calendario en el que se presentó el trauma. La información se analizó con la base de datos en Excel 2010, SPSS versión 19. RESULTADOS: el 59,6% de los pacientes fue de sexo masculino, con una edad promedio 7 años, presentaron mayormente caídas 51,11% y el trauma de cabeza 35.81% de acuerdo a la lesión. La mayoría de pacientes en un 61% fueron de zona urbana; el lugar más frecuente de producción del accidente fue el domicilio con 54.53%. Un 93.9% de niños fueron llevados por sus familiares en forma ambulatoria con 73.6%, acudieron al hospital dentro de la primera hora después del percance un 67.3%

Trauma in critically ill children : transfusion and osmotherapy practices

Les accidents sont la cause la plus fréquente de décès chez l’enfant, la plupart du temps à cause d’un traumatisme cranio-cérébrale (TCC) sévère ou d’un choc hémorragique. Malgré cela, la prise en charge de ces patients est souvent basée sur la littérature adulte. Le mannitol et le salin hypertonique (3%) sont des traitements standards dans la gestion de l’hypertension intracrânienne, mais il existe très peu d’évidence sur leur utilité en pédiatrie. Nous avons entrepris une revue rétrospective des traumatismes crâniens sévères admis dans les sept dernières années, pour décrire l’utilisation de ces agents hyperosmolaires et leurs effets sur la pression intracrânienne. Nous avons établi que le salin hypertonique est plus fréquemment utilisé que le mannitol, qu’il ne semble pas y avoir de facteurs associés à l’utilisation de l’un ou l’autre, et que l’effet sur la pression intracrânienne est difficile à évaluer en raison de multiples co-interventions. Il faudra mettre en place un protocole de gestion du patient avec TCC sévère avant d’entreprendre des études prospectives. La transfusion sanguine est employée de façon courante dans la prise en charge du patient traumatisé. De nombreuses études soulignent les effets néfastes des transfusions sanguines suggérant des seuils transfusionnels plus restrictifs. Malgré cela, il n’y a pas de données sur les transfusions chez l’enfant atteint de traumatismes graves. Nous avons donc entrepris une analyse post-hoc d’une grosse étude prospective multicentrique sur les pratiques transfusionnelles des enfants traumatisés. Nous avons conclu que les enfants traumatisés sont transfusés de manière importante avant et après l’admission aux soins intensifs. Un jeune âge, un PELOD élevé et le recours à la ventilation mécanique sont des facteurs associés à recevoir une transfusion sanguine aux soins intensifs. Le facteur le plus prédicteur, demeure le fait de recevoir une transfusion avant l’admission aux soins, élément qui suggère probablement un saignement continu. Il demeure qu’une étude prospective spécifique des patients traumatisés doit être effectuée pour évaluer si une prise en charge basée sur un seuil transfusionnel restrictif serait sécuritaire dans cette population.