Related Experiment Videos
Evaluating programs to prevent unintentional trauma in Canada: challenges and directions
G W Bandiera1, T K Hillers, F White
1McMaster University Medical School, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. glen.bandiera@utoronto.ca
The Journal of Trauma
|November 24, 1999
Summary
Trauma prevention strategies in Canada are reviewed. Legislative enforcement is most effective, while educational approaches require more resources and evaluation for improved injury prevention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Injury Prevention
- Health Policy
Background:
- Trauma is a leading cause of death for individuals under 44, consuming significant healthcare resources.
- This review examines the range of trauma prevention strategies implemented in Canada.
- Current initiatives focus on behavior-oriented trauma prevention and their evaluated effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the spectrum of trauma prevention strategies in Canada.
- To assess current behavior-oriented trauma prevention initiatives.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of implemented trauma prevention programs.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE using keywords related to prevention and injury/accident types.
- Inclusion of relevant materials from bibliographies.
- Review of Canadian local and national prevention programs with reported evaluation data.
Main Results:
- Legislative enforcement of trauma prevention measures appears to be the most effective strategy.
- Educational models for trauma prevention lack adequate evaluation due to methodological and economic limitations.
- New prevention initiatives require enhanced resources and robust evaluation strategies.
Conclusions:
- Legislation is the most effective trauma prevention strategy.
- Educational trauma prevention requires better evaluation methods and funding.
- Healthcare professionals should be more involved in prevention efforts.