An audit of trauma deaths in Newcastle upon Tyne

The TRISS methodology was applied to identify unexpected trauma deaths during a one-year period. Out of a total of 104 deaths, 50 were hospital deaths (M = 0.6837). Twelve (27%) of these deaths were judged to be unexpected, ie, had a probability of survival (Ps) > or = 0.50 (Z = +4.80). Those deaths deemed to be unexpected were subject to further analysis. The implications of these findings are discussed.