Comprehensive trauma patient care by nonphysician providers

Area of Science:

• Trauma Care
• Healthcare Management
• Nonphysician Providers

Background:

• Increasing utilization of nonphysician providers in trauma care.
• Complex trauma patient recovery necessitates comprehensive medical and psychosocial support.
• Need for specialized services to manage patients transitioning from intensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of a unique Intermediate Care Service staffed by nonphysician providers.
• Describe patient diagnoses, medical orders, and outcomes within this service.
• Assess the model's value in managing complex trauma patient recovery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of 93 trauma patients over a 6-month period.
• Analysis of new diagnoses, physician order changes, and patient disposition.
• Focus on patients no longer requiring intensive care but needing ongoing management.

Main Results:

• Most patients admitted with neurologic injuries.
• Common new diagnoses included constipation; frequent new orders involved medication and rehabilitation consultations.
• All patients successfully discharged from the hospital.

Conclusions:

• The Intermediate Care Service provides a unique and valuable model for collaborative trauma patient management.
• Nonphysician providers can effectively manage complex recovery needs.
• This service facilitates long-term placement and successful patient outcomes.