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Evolution of a level I pediatric trauma center: Changes in injury mechanisms and improved outcomes
Cameron Schlegel1, Amber Greeno2, Heidi Chen3
1Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
Insights
Transitioning to a verified pediatric trauma center improved resource utilization and altered injury mechanisms, while maintaining safety standards. Overall mortality remained unchanged, demonstrating effective specialized care for injured children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Trauma Care
- Surgical Outcomes
- Public Health
Background:
- Trauma is a leading cause of mortality in children, necessitating specialized pediatric care.
- The effects of establishing dedicated pediatric trauma centers on injury patterns and outcomes are not well understood.
- This study examines the transition of a single center from adult to American College of Surgeons-verified pediatric trauma care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of transitioning from an adult to a verified pediatric trauma center.
- To analyze changes in mechanisms of injury and patient outcomes.
- To assess resource utilization and safety following verification.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1,190 pediatric trauma activations (2005-2016).
- Categorization into three eras: adult trauma center, early pediatric trauma center, and late pediatric trauma center.
- Statistical comparison using Pearson chi-squared, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Main Results:
- Motor vehicle crashes were the primary injury mechanism, with a rise in assault/abuse cases.
- Intensive care admissions decreased in the late pediatric trauma center era (51%) compared to earlier periods (62.4%-67%).
- Floor admissions and immediate operative interventions increased, while overall mortality remained constant.
Conclusions:
- Verification as a pediatric trauma center upholds safety standards.
- The transition led to significant shifts in injury mechanisms.
- Improved resource utilization was observed, optimizing care for pediatric trauma patients.
Background:
Trauma is the leading cause of mortality among children, underscoring the need for specialized child-centered care. The impact on presenting mechanisms of injury and outcomes during the evolution of independent pediatric trauma centers is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of our single center transition from an adult to American College of Surgeons-verified pediatric trauma center.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was performed of 1,190 children who presented as level I trauma activations between 2005 and 2016. Patients were divided into 3 chronological treatment eras: adult trauma center, early pediatric trauma center, and late pediatric trauma center after American College of Surgeons verification review. Comparisons were made using Pearson χ2, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Results:
The predominant mechanism of injury was motor vehicle crash, with increases noted in assault/abuse (2% adult trauma center, 11% late pediatric trauma center). A decrease in intensive care admissions was identified during late pediatric trauma center compared with early pediatric trauma center and adult trauma center (51% vs 62.4% vs 67%, P < .001), with concomitant increases in admissions to the floor and immediate operative interventions, but overall mortality was unchanged.
Conclusion:
Transition to a verified pediatric trauma center maintains the safety expected of the American College of Surgeons certification, but with notable changes identified in mechanism of injury and improvements in resource utilization.
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