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Regional pediatric trauma center: does a system of management improve outcome?
Insights
A dedicated Pediatric Trauma Center in Maryland, established in 1973, has successfully treated 600 children. This regional system significantly reduces death and disability from pediatric trauma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Trauma Care
- Public Health Systems
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Maryland established a statewide Pediatric Trauma Center in 1973.
- The center manages trauma cases for children statewide, excluding burns and isolated eye/hand injuries.
- These exceptions are treated at affiliated hospitals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the established pediatric trauma system in Maryland.
- To evaluate the outcomes of children treated within this system.
- To emphasize the benefits of a regionalized approach to pediatric trauma care.
Main Methods:
- Review of treatment data for 600 pediatric patients.
- Analysis of outcomes between 1975 and 1981.
- Assessment of the regional trauma center's effectiveness.
Main Results:
- The system successfully managed a significant number of pediatric trauma cases.
- Data from 600 children treated between 1975 and 1981 were analyzed.
- The regional approach demonstrated positive outcomes.
Conclusions:
- A regionalized pediatric trauma center is essential for effective care.
- Such systems can decrease mortality rates in pediatric trauma patients.
- Reducing morbidity and mortality in children with traumatic injuries is achievable through specialized centers.
Abstract:
The Pediatric Trauma Center has existed in Maryland since 1973 for the entire state with the exception of burns and isolated eye or hand injuries which are managed in affiliated hospitals. The article reviews the system and the results obtained in 600 children treated between 1975 and 1981. The authors underline the need for a regional trauma center because this system can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with trauma in the pediatric age group.