Title of Research
Impact of Trauma Center Quality and Geographical Location on Patient Mortality Rates
Start Date
16-11-2018 9:30 AM
End Date
16-11-2018 11:30 AM
Abstract
Impact of Trauma Center Quality and Geographical Location on Patient Mortality Rates
An Integrative Literature Review
Bobbie Woods, MS
Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Hartman, PhD, RN
Background: The geographic distribution affecting availability of care, in addition to the quality of trauma care centers significantly impacts patient stabilization and mortality resulting in higher rates of negative patient outcomes.
Objective: The purpose of this literature review is to analyze the impact of trauma systems on morbidity and mortality among populations who are geographically isolated or lack adequate resources to receive quality care, and to also make apparent a need for a more practical trauma system nationwide.
Method: A computerized search of literature was implemented using PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Health Literature (CINAHL), and ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Sources. Sources reviewed were limited to peer-reviewed articles over the last 15 years. In total, 14 articles were used that met the inclusion criteria.
Results: Trauma center designation has played an integral part in the increasing mortality rates across the United States. Level one trauma centers were found to have the lowest percentage of trauma fatalities, while centers designated at level two and below had the highest. Rural areas where fatalities were disproportionately higher were serviced by trauma facilities that lack the resources to yield favorable outcomes.
Conclusions: This review found a distinct increase of mortality in rural areas, and communities where trauma centers were miles away. The quality of trauma centers was also shown to have a direct impact on patient care. Lower-level trauma centers lack the resources to handle high risk patients, but research has shown that when health systems who are ranked higher in trauma networks coordinate care with lower ranked facilities, patient mortality is improved.
Key Words: Trauma center, mortality, outcomes, desert, trauma, distribution, quality, access, and improvement.
Included in
Impact of Trauma Center Quality and Geographical Location on Patient Mortality Rates
Impact of Trauma Center Quality and Geographical Location on Patient Mortality Rates
An Integrative Literature Review
Bobbie Woods, MS
Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Hartman, PhD, RN
Background: The geographic distribution affecting availability of care, in addition to the quality of trauma care centers significantly impacts patient stabilization and mortality resulting in higher rates of negative patient outcomes.
Objective: The purpose of this literature review is to analyze the impact of trauma systems on morbidity and mortality among populations who are geographically isolated or lack adequate resources to receive quality care, and to also make apparent a need for a more practical trauma system nationwide.
Method: A computerized search of literature was implemented using PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Health Literature (CINAHL), and ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Sources. Sources reviewed were limited to peer-reviewed articles over the last 15 years. In total, 14 articles were used that met the inclusion criteria.
Results: Trauma center designation has played an integral part in the increasing mortality rates across the United States. Level one trauma centers were found to have the lowest percentage of trauma fatalities, while centers designated at level two and below had the highest. Rural areas where fatalities were disproportionately higher were serviced by trauma facilities that lack the resources to yield favorable outcomes.
Conclusions: This review found a distinct increase of mortality in rural areas, and communities where trauma centers were miles away. The quality of trauma centers was also shown to have a direct impact on patient care. Lower-level trauma centers lack the resources to handle high risk patients, but research has shown that when health systems who are ranked higher in trauma networks coordinate care with lower ranked facilities, patient mortality is improved.
Key Words: Trauma center, mortality, outcomes, desert, trauma, distribution, quality, access, and improvement.