United States level I trauma centers are not created equal - a concern for patient safety?

ABSTRACT:

Background

The American College of Surgeons delineates 108 requirements for level I trauma centers. Some of these requirements include: minimum of 1,200 trauma admissions per year; an average of 35 major trauma patients per surgeon; residency training programs; and 10 peer-reviewed journal submissions every three years. This study examines the variation in services provided among U.S. level I trauma centers.

Methods

218 facilities identified as level I trauma centers in 2005 were contacted for participation. 136 centers in 37 states completed the questionnaire. Surveys queried variances in trauma, neurosurgery, plastics, and orthopaedic surgery with regard to type of center, type of accreditation, number and training of participating physicians, number of beds, dedicated OR

SUBMITTER: Ziran BH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2515286 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature