Injury
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In the field of advanced care of the complex trauma patient, there is an emerging need for focused education and training. However, several hospitals do not support further education and training in this field, and the challenge of releasing time for physicians and nurses is well-known. Educational strategies using blended learning, which combines traditional classroom methods with modern computer-assisted methods and media, have not yet been widely used. This study analysed the educational challenges and areas for improvement, according to senior physicians and nurses, and investigated the potential use of blended learning. ⋯ Educational strategies and methods, such as blended learning can support education and training, and the learning process by unlimited practice in reasoning and decision making in virtual patients. It can also provide flexibility and mobility for senior health professionals and their home hospitals, and contribute to an improved military pre-deployment training with less time strain on the civilian home hospitals.
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Practice management guidelines for screening and treatment of patients with blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) have been associated with a decreased risk of ischemic stroke. ⋯ The lack of bleeding complications and equivalent stroke rates between groups suggests that the presence of TBI, solid organ injury, and spinal cord injury are not contraindications to anti-thrombotic therapy for stroke prevention in patients with BCVI.
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Observational Study
Decreased mortality in patients with isolated severe blunt traumatic brain injury receiving higher plasma to packed red blood cells transfusion ratios.
Higher transfusion ratios of plasma to packed red blood cells (PRBC) and platelets (PLT) to PRBC have been shown to be associated with decreased mortality in major trauma patients. However, little is known about the effect of transfusion ratios on mortality in patients with isolated severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of transfusion ratios on mortality in patients with isolated severe blunt TBI. We hypothesized that higher transfusion ratios of plasma to PRBC and PLT to PRBC are associated with a lower mortality rate in these patients. ⋯ This study revealed plasma to PRBC transfusion ratios≥1 as an independent predictor for decreased in-hospital mortality in patients with isolated severe blunt TBI.
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There is a significant burden on public health systems from emergency surgical and trauma (ESAT) patients. In Western countries, the response has been to separate acute and elective surgery with the creation of a new sub-specialty: acute care surgery. Dedicated acute units have shown improvements in efficiency and clinical outcomes for patients. The aim of this study was to assess the results of the first such unit in Singapore. ⋯ The creation of an ESAT service has led to improved efficiency of care with no worsening of clinical outcomes for acute general surgical and trauma patients.
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Comparative Study
Polytrauma patients in the Netherlands and the USA: A bi-institutional comparison of processes and outcomes of care.
Modern trauma systems differ worldwide, possibly leading to disparities in outcomes. We aim to compare characteristics and outcomes of blunt polytrauma patients admitted to two Level 1 Trauma Centers in the US (USTC) and the Netherlands (NTC). ⋯ Although several outcome parameters differ in two urban area trauma centers in the USA and the Netherlands, the quality of care for trauma patients, measured as survival, is equal. Other outcomes varied between both trauma centers, suggesting that differences in local policies and processes do influence the care system, but not so much the quality of care as reflected by survival.