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Orthopaedic surgeons in Yorkshire--are we ATLS positive?
S P Kelley1, D H M McMurray, A F Hinsche
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Wakefield, Yorkshire, UK. spkelley@hotmail.com
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|February 22, 2005
Summary
Yorkshire hospitals have trauma response plans, but variations exist. Most orthopaedic surgeons are Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) trained, though revalidation needs improvement for optimal major trauma patient care.
Area of Science:
- Traumatology
- Surgical Training
- Healthcare Auditing
Background:
- Yorkshire's 1993 Major Trauma Working Group proposed accredited Trauma Reception Hospitals.
- Hospitals require specific orthopaedic criteria for trauma patient reception.
- This study audits adherence to these trauma response policies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if Yorkshire hospitals meet proposed trauma reception criteria.
- To assess orthopaedic surgeons' Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) provider status.
- To examine surgeons' involvement in major trauma calls.
Main Methods:
- Audit of 16 hospitals in the Yorkshire deanery.
- Survey of all on-call orthopaedic surgeons (consultant and middle-grade).
- Questionnaires focused on ATLS status and trauma call participation.
Main Results:
- 13 of 16 hospitals have a "trauma team".
- 175 of 191 orthopaedic surgeons surveyed are ATLS certified.
- 41% of ATLS-certified surgeons had outdated qualifications; only 13% were awaiting revalidation.
Conclusions:
- All hospitals demonstrate a major trauma response, with noted variations.
- The majority of Yorkshire's orthopaedic surgeons possess adequate ATLS training.
- Low revalidation rates among surgeons require attention and future recommendations.