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Implementation of a two-tier trauma response
J M Ryan1, P L Gaudry, P A McDougall
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia.
Injury
|April 22, 1999
Summary
A new triage tool effectively identifies major trauma patients in the emergency department, ensuring timely care and no adverse outcomes for those undertriaged. This trauma response system improves patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
- Clinical Triage
Background:
- Emergency departments (EDs) require efficient patient assessment.
- A two-tier trauma response system aims to optimize resource allocation.
- Evaluating novel triage tools is crucial for improving trauma care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and assess the efficacy and safety of a novel triage tool for patients arriving at the ED.
- To determine the effectiveness of a two-tier trauma response system based on triage outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive prospective audit was conducted in a principal urban referral hospital's major trauma service.
- A triage tool categorized patients into major trauma or stable trauma responses.
- Statistical analysis (Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U) compared groups; triage accuracy was assessed via outcomes.
Main Results:
- The triage tool demonstrated 82% accuracy, with 65% sensitivity and 87% specificity.
- Undertriage occurred in 8% of cases, and overtriage in 10%.
- Admitted patients in major trauma responses had a higher median Injury Severity Score (ISS) than those in stable trauma responses.
Conclusions:
- The triage tool accurately differentiates between major and non-major trauma patients.
- Undertriaged patients received prompt surgical referral without adverse events.
- The two-tier trauma response system appears safe and effective for ED patient management.