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A population-based study of trauma recidivism
C R Kaufmann1, C C Branas, M L Brawley
1Division of Trauma and EMS, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, MD, USA. ckaufmann@idsonline.com
The Journal of Trauma
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Trauma recidivism, defined as repeat hospital visits for new injuries, affects 2.0% of patients. Younger males with specific injury types and alcohol involvement are at higher risk, informing targeted prevention efforts.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Public Health
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Trauma recidivism involves patients with repeat acute care hospital visits for new injuries.
- Identifying high-risk patients is crucial for efficient allocation of hospital injury prevention resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics and risk factors associated with trauma recidivism in a population-based cohort.
- To identify patient demographics and injury types linked to recurrent trauma presentations.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year population-based analysis of recurrent trauma patients presenting to all Nevada hospitals.
- Analysis of 10,355 presentations involving 10,137 individual patients.
Main Results:
- The overall trauma recidivism rate was 2.0%.
- Younger patients (20-24 years) and males exhibited higher recidivism rates.
- Cutting/piercing injuries, machinery-related incidents, positive blood alcohol levels, and longer initial hospital stays were significantly associated with recidivism. Motor vehicle crash recidivists were less likely to use seat belts.
Conclusions:
- Population-based data effectively identifies patient cohorts at elevated risk for trauma recidivism.
- Findings support targeted interventions for specific demographic and injury profiles to reduce repeat trauma.