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A statewide profile of general surgery trauma practice
T J Esposito1, R V Maier, F P Rivara
1Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle.
The Journal of Trauma
|January 1, 1991
Summary
General surgeons often lack extensive trauma experience, with many feeling traumatology requires specialized knowledge. This highlights a need for improved surgeon availability and skill maintenance in trauma care.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Surgical Practice Management
- Medical Education
Background:
- General surgeons are key providers for trauma patients.
- Understanding their current practices and perceptions is crucial for improving trauma care systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To profile the practices, experience, and viewpoints of general surgeons treating trauma patients.
- To identify areas for improvement in trauma care delivery and surgeon training.
Main Methods:
- A mail survey was distributed to the American College of Surgeons State Chapter membership.
- A 65% response rate was achieved from general surgeons.
Main Results:
- Most trauma surgeons are 30-50 years old, with trauma experience limited to residency.
- Many surgeons operate or take call at multiple hospitals, and trauma constitutes a small part of their practice.
- A majority believe major trauma management requires specialized knowledge and disagree that all general surgeons should routinely handle it.
Conclusions:
- Significant portions of general surgeons do not routinely manage major trauma or feel it requires specialized expertise.
- Areas needing further analysis include surgeon availability, experience uniformity, and skills maintenance in traumatology.