Trauma care disparities: is equity the key? Output from SAFER-Trauma

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Trauma Care Research
• Health Equity Studies

Background:

• Injury is a leading cause of death in the USA, with significant disparities in outcomes.
• Racial and ethnic minority groups face a higher risk of death from traumatic injuries.
• Existing clinical advances have not eliminated health inequities in trauma care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight health inequity in trauma care.
• To assess structural determinants of health inequities.
• To propose actionable steps for achieving health equity in trauma care.

Main Methods:

• Review of proceedings from the Summit on the Advancement of Focused Equity Research in Trauma.
• Assessment of health and healthcare disparities across the continuum of trauma care.
• Analysis of structural determinants influencing health inequities.

Main Results:

• Widespread inequities exist across all stages of trauma care.
• Disparities in outcomes are linked to demographic backgrounds.
• Five key areas for actionable steps towards health equity were identified.

Conclusions:

• Eliminating healthcare disparities in trauma care is essential for improving quality of care.
• Achieving equitable care for all injured patients requires systemic changes.
• Focus on firearm injury prevention, Medicaid expansion, trauma-informed care, equity measurement, and survivorship is critical.