Improving Time to Angioembolization for Trauma Care: Novel Smartphone Application

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Mobile Health Technology

Background:

• Effective trauma care relies on prompt angiographic embolization for abdominopelvic injuries.
• Mobilizing interventional radiology staff efficiently is crucial for timely treatment.
• Smartphone technology presents a potential solution for improving staff notification and mobilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To integrate a smartphone application into the trauma workflow for improved interventional radiology staff response.
• To adapt a stroke care application for use in a Level I trauma center setting.

Main Methods:

• A smartphone application was implemented in 2022, featuring high-definition image viewing, a team-wide text messaging thread, and a single-call activation system.
• The application, initially designed for stroke care, was modified for trauma workflow integration.
• Staff received training, and the application was integrated over a one-month period.

Main Results:

• Trauma surgeons and interventional radiologists can simultaneously view high-definition images on their smartphones.
• All team members have access to a shared text messaging thread for communication.
• The single-call system streamlines staff notification and mobilization, reducing phone call times.

Conclusions:

• Smartphone technology significantly enhances the responsiveness of interventional radiology staff for hemorrhagic patients requiring emergent angioembolization.
• This technological integration optimizes workflow in trauma centers.
• Mobile applications can improve critical care delivery in emergency settings.