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Trauma center closure: effects on an adjacent trauma center
J R Hiatt1, M R Kobayashi, G Dees
1Department of Surgery, UCLA School of Medicine.
The American Surgeon
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Trauma center closures significantly increase patient volume and penetrating injuries at nearby hospitals. This impacts resource allocation and patient transfers, threatening the trauma system.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Surgical Care
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Trauma centers are critical for managing severe injuries.
- The closure of a trauma center can disrupt regional healthcare networks.
- Understanding the impact on adjacent facilities is essential for healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the effects of a trauma center closure on a neighboring university trauma hospital.
- To quantify changes in patient volume, injury types, insurance status, and intensive care needs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient data from a university trauma hospital.
- Comparison of key metrics before and after the closure of an adjacent trauma center.
- Statistical analysis to determine significant changes in patient demographics and care requirements.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in monthly patient volume (P < .01).
- Significant rise in the frequency of penetrating injuries (P < .05).
- Significant decrease in patients with insurance coverage (P < .01) and reduced need for intensive care (P < .01).
Conclusions:
- Trauma center closures have measurable effects on resource allocation in remaining hospitals.
- Closures create pressure to transfer patients to overburdened public facilities, undermining care continuity.
- The integrity of the regional trauma system is threatened by such closures and subsequent patient transfers.