Trauma systems: models of prehospital and inhospital care

The organization of trauma care has different perspectives that depend on regional aspects. Among these, geographical peculiarities, historical developments regarding development of medical subspecialties and resident education appear to be the most relevant factors.

We performed a structured literature search on PubMed.

This manuscript deals with the differences of several trauma systems in certain European countries, the USA and Australia. It aims to provide an overview of the peculiarities and influences of these systems on the clinical management. However, the effect of differences in organization in different countries on patient outcome is difficult to assess. There appears to be consensus on the fact that structured treatment for acute trauma care is beneficial for trauma patients. Thus, any kind of organization contributes to improved patient outcome.