A review of trauma systems using the Calgary model

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Public Health Policy
• Healthcare System Evolution

Background:

• The care of severely injured patients has undergone significant transformation.
• Trauma systems have evolved rapidly over the past two decades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the evolution of trauma systems in Canada.
• To use the Calgary trauma system as a model for this evolution.

Main Methods:

• Review of Canadian trauma system guidelines established in 1993.
• Analysis of accelerating participation in Canadian trauma accreditation and external reviews.
• Examination of the increasing norm of reporting trauma outcomes, including standardized mortality and performance measures.

Main Results:

• Canadian trauma system guidelines were established by the Trauma Association of Canada in 1993.
• There is increasing participation in national accreditation and external reviews of trauma centers.
• Standardized reporting of trauma outcomes and performance measures is becoming standard practice.

Conclusions:

• Injury is increasingly viewed as a disease requiring comprehensive control strategies.
• These strategies encompass prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation to reduce death and disability.
• The evolution of trauma systems aims to systematically improve patient outcomes.