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Trauma system in Greece: Quo Vadis?
Evangelos Anagnostou1, Andreas Larentzakis2, Pantelis Vassiliu3
1Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark St, Whitechapel, E1 2AT, London, UK; 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, P. Kanellopoulou Ave., Athens, 11525, Greece.
Injury
|June 2, 2018
Summary
Greece
Area of Science:
- Trauma care systems
- Public health policy
- Emergency medical services
Background:
- Trauma systems improve patient outcomes but face international disparities.
- Socioeconomic factors and national specificities create obstacles in trauma care.
- This paper critically evaluates the Greek trauma system and proposes improvements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the current Greek trauma system.
- To provide a comprehensive review of its components.
- To suggest key actions for system enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Exhaustive literature search in English and Greek.
- Analysis of the Greek trauma system using American College of Surgeons' criteria.
- Evaluation based on the WHO Trauma Systems Maturity Index.
Main Results:
- Road traffic incident death rates are decreasing, but rural/insular areas lag.
- Hellenic Emergency Medical Service (EKAB) needs better public education and systematic personnel training.
- Lack of pre-hospital registry and quality assessment hinders progress; a national registry and trauma surgeon subspecialty are recommended.
- Rehabilitation protocols and disaster preparedness need development, alongside quality assurance programs.
Conclusions:
- Logistical and organizational improvements can create an integrated trauma system cost-effectively.
- Political will is crucial for reforms utilizing existing infrastructure and personnel efficiently.
- Establishing a major trauma center is a priority for building the Greek trauma system.
