Trauma care at the University of Mississippi Medical Center: economic & other realities

There are a number of complicating factors which do, or have the potential to, impact trauma care at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the University Hospital. These are (Exhibit 6): Number of Trauma Patients. There are more trauma patients in Mississippi than any single hospital or group of physicians can care for under present circumstances. Type of Trauma Patients. The only Level I center is constantly stressed with trauma patients, many of whom could be adequately treated at other facilities. Hospital Resources. Resources are frequently stretched beyond reasonable limitations. Primary examples include the SICU and nursing personnel on numerous units. Lack of a Trauma Network. The effects of the first three factors are compounded by the lack of a trauma network in the State of Mississippi. Trauma Funding. The lack of trauma funding, on a statewide basis, for equipment and other needed resources impairs the ability of all hospitals (including the University Hospital) to meet the needs of trauma patients. Patient Finances. Tied to the lack of specific funding is the financial case mix of trauma patients. It is simply not financially worthwhile for hospitals or physicians to involve themselves, on a regular basis, in the care of these patients. These issues are related to one another in a complex fashion. Many are beyond the scope of the University Hospital and the University of Mississippi Medical Center to resolve. But, they adversely impact our facilities, and others throughout the state, on a daily basis. As these issues are reviewed and thought about, one final fact should be kept in mind.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)