Most Patients with Severe Trauma Are Not Transferred to Trauma Centers

While insurance status may have played a role in the decision to not transfer patients, hospital capabilities and injury patterns were likely more influential.

Critically ill trauma patients have better outcomes when treated at designated trauma centers, yet many such patients are not transferred (NEJM Journal Watch Emerg Med Jun 26 2009 and NEJM Journal Watch Emerg Med Jan 7 2011). Researchers analyzed the 2009 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample to identify factors associated with admission versus transfer to a trauma center.

Of 4513 adults under age 65 with major trauma (Injury Severity Score >15) initially treated at nontrauma hospitals, only 45% were transferred to trauma centers. Admission rather than transfer was more likely if the initial hospital was a metropolitan teaching hospital (26% higher adjusted absolute risk of admission), the patient had severe abdominal injuries (16% higher r…

Reviewing Author

Ali S. Raja, MD, MBA, MPH, FACEP

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Board Member); American College of Healthcare Executives – Massachusetts (Board Member)

Ali S. Raja, MD, MBA, MPH, FACEP

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Board Member); American College of Healthcare Executives – Massachusetts (Board Member)

Most Patients with Severe Trauma Are Not Transferred to Trauma Centers

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Reviewing Author