Trauma networks: present and future challenges

BMC Medicine

Opinion

Peter V Giannoudis¹  Nikolaos K Kanakaris¹ 

[1] Academic Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Leeds General Infirmary, Clarendon Wing, Level A, Great George Street, LS13EX, Leeds, UK;

关键词: Injured Patient;    Major Trauma;    Trauma Care;    Rehabilitation Service;    Trauma System;   

DOI  :  10.1186/1741-7015-9-121

 received in 2011-05-18, accepted in 2011-11-11,  发布年份 2011

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

In England, trauma is the leading cause of death across all age groups, with over 16,000 deaths per year. Major trauma implies the presence of multiple, serious injuries that could result in death or serious disability. Successive reports have documented the fact that the current ad hoc unstructured management of this patient group is associated with considerable avoidable death and disability. The reform of trauma care in England, especially of the severely injured patient, has already begun. Strong clinical leadership is embraced as the way forward. The present article summarises the steps that have been made over the last decade that led to the recent decision to move towards a long anticipated restructure of the National Health Service (NHS) trauma services with the introduction of Regional Trauma Networks (RTNs). While, for the first time, a genuine political will and support exists, the changes required to maintain the momentum for the implementation of the RTNs needs to be marshalled against arguments, myths and perceptions from the past. Such an approach may reverse the disinterest attitude of many, and will gradually evolve into a cultural shift of the public, clinicians and policymakers in the fullness of time.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Kanakaris and Giannoudis; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2011