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Cost factors in pediatric trauma
Dolunay Gürses1, Akile Sarioglu-Buke, Merve Baskan
1Department of Pediatrics, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey. dolunayk@yahoo.com
Canadian Journal of Surgery. Journal Canadien De Chirurgie
|December 19, 2003
Summary
The cost of pediatric trauma care is substantial in developing countries. Trauma scores and admission data can help predict these high costs for injured children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Health Economics
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Limited data exists on the financial burden of pediatric trauma in developing nations.
- This study addresses the cost factors and predictors of pediatric trauma care in a Turkish university hospital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the cost factors associated with treating pediatric trauma.
- To identify predictors of treatment costs in a pediatric emergency setting.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 91 children with multiple trauma was conducted.
- Data collected included demographics, injury details, treatment type, length of stay, and trauma scores (Pediatric Trauma Score, Revised Trauma Score, pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale).
- Hospital-based costs were calculated according to Ministry of Health guidelines.
Main Results:
- Motor vehicle crashes were the most frequent cause of injury (45%), incurring higher costs than falls or bicycle accidents.
- Referred patients had significantly higher costs than directly admitted patients.
- Total cost correlated with hospital stay duration and distance, but inversely with trauma scores.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric trauma treatment incurs significant costs.
- Admission data and established trauma scores can predict the financial impact of pediatric trauma.