Integrated Multidisciplinary and Digital Innovation in Polytrauma: Optimizing Whole-Process Emergency Models for...

Polytrauma, characterized by multi-system injuries and life-threatening complexity, poses significant challenges to healthcare systems, particularly in resource-constrained secondary hospitals. This narrative review synthesizes global research on polytrauma management, focusing on workflow optimization, digital innovation, and MDT adaptation tailored to secondary hospitals. Based on a systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang Data (January 2014 - December 2024), 63 studies were included and analyzed. We identify key barriers-including prolonged diagnostic intervals, insufficient inter-departmental coordination, and reliance on traditional emergency processes with redundant steps-that disproportionately delay door-to-CT times, time to definitive intervention, and contribute to preventable mortality in secondary hospital settings. Emerging solutions such as simplified MDT frameworks, telemedicine-enabled collaboration, and AI-assisted triage show promise, yet current literature lacks practical, context-sensitive frameworks addressing the unique constraints of secondary hospitals, including staffing shortages and limited surgical capabilities. To address these gaps, we propose a hybrid model centred on four core elements: (1) a core MDT team (emergency physicians, trauma nurses, and key specialists) for rapid assessment and damage control; (2) an optimized green-channel process with clear activation criteria and streamlined workflows; (3) digital decision-support systems (eg, 5G-based platforms, process mining algorithms) to enable real-time information sharing and coordination; and (4) regional referral linkages with higher-level trauma centres to ensure timely transfer of patients requiring specialized surgical interventions. Future research should prioritize validation studies-using both quantitative and qualitative approaches-of process optimization strategies, development of context-specific training programs, and cost-effectiveness analyses of technology-driven interventions. This synthesis provides actionable insights for advancing secondary hospital trauma systems, ultimately reducing preventable mortality and bridging disparities in global trauma care equity.