Access to trauma systems in Canada.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Trauma is a major cause of death, disability, and healthcare costs globally.
• Trauma systems aim to improve injury care and prevention.
• Understanding access to trauma care in Canada is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current status of trauma systems in Canada.
• To evaluate Canadians' access to acute, multidisciplinary trauma care.
• To identify geographic disparities in trauma care access.

Main Methods:

• A national survey identified adult trauma centers (Level I and II) and their service areas.
• Geographic information science mapped trauma centers and 1-hour travel times.
• 2006 Canadian Census data estimated population access to care.

Main Results:

• 32 Level I and II trauma centers serve Canada.
• 77.5% of Canadians live within a 1-hour drive of a trauma center.
• 22.5% of Canadians, primarily in rural/remote areas, lack 1-hour access.

Conclusions:

• High-quality trauma care is available in many Canadian areas, but a rural/urban disparity exists.
• Improving pre-hospital and acute care access in rural communities is essential.
• Localized strategies and innovative care models are needed to address rural access gaps.