[Requirements of trauma networks in Lower Saxony]

The German Association of Trauma Surgery has developed a concept for the quality-assured care of severely injured patients; this concept includes the establishment of trauma networks. In this study, hospitals and emergency services in Lower Saxony were asked about their demands on the Hannover regional trauma network.

Trauma departments in Lower Saxony and adjoining federal states were asked to self-assess their level of trauma care. The demands of emergency services and trauma departments on the trauma network were also ascertained.

Responses to the questionnaire were received from 70.2% of trauma departments and 11.5% of emergency services organizations. Of these, 46.9% of the trauma departments classified themselves as a "center of basic care", 50.0% as a "regional trauma center", and 3.1% as a "national trauma center". Compared with the regional trauma centers, centers of basic care requested fast transfers of patients to a trauma center significantly more often, whereas trauma centers desired more educational activities.

The demands of trauma centers on a trauma network correspond with the aims formulated by the German Association of Trauma Surgery. These demands depend on the level of trauma care provided. Close cooperation with emergency services is essential to strengthen collaboration within the trauma network.