[Digitalization in trauma networks : Teleconsultation, real-time situation mapping and artificial intelligence-assisted triage]

The care of severely injured patients within a trauma network requires cross-sectoral coordination from the prehospital setting through to rehabilitation. Digital applications, such as teleconsultations, real-time situational mapping and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted decision support have the potential to accelerate information flow, enable more targeted use of resources and improve the quality of care. An analysis of the TKmed® transfer statistics at the University Medical Center Göttingen demonstrated a continuous increase in import and export volumes between 2015 and 2025. Teleconsultations enable the early involvement of specialist expertise and can support triage, treatment and transfer decisions while reducing unnecessary secondary transfers. The interdisciplinary care capacity proof system (IVENA) provides a shared real-time overview of available capacities and improves coordination and patient allocation, particularly during mass casualty incidents. Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted triage systems can facilitate the earlier identification of critical clinical deterioration and reduce both overtriage and undertriage. In radiology AI systems can support the prioritization of abnormal findings and accelerate diagnostic processes. Prerequisites for a safe implementation are stable infrastructures, standardized interfaces, validated algorithms and clearly defined responsibilities. Digital systems should complement and not replace clinical decision-making.