Standardized Protocol for Chest Tube Management for Trauma Patients Significantly Decreases Complications.

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Healthcare is transitioning to value-based models emphasizing patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
• Non-uniform, surgeon-specific chest tube management practices were previously employed.
• Standardized protocols are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an institutional standardized protocol for chest tube management.
• To evaluate the impact of this protocol on patient outcomes at a Level II Trauma Center.

Main Methods:

• An institutional standardized chest tube protocol was implemented in 2014.
• A retrospective chart review of patients with hemothorax or pneumothorax (H/PTX) from trauma was conducted (January 2011-May 2017).
• Univariate analyses compared outcomes before and after protocol implementation, including hospital length of stay and need for surgical intervention.

Main Results:

• 143 patients were analyzed (43 pre-protocol, 100 post-protocol).
• Significant improvements were observed in hospital length of stay (LOS).
• Reductions in persistent H/PTX and the need for further surgical intervention were noted post-protocol.

Conclusions:

• The standardized chest tube management protocol significantly improved patient outcomes.
• This protocol can serve as a model for other trauma centers seeking to enhance care quality and efficiency.