BMJ : British medical journal
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To create a means by which we can examine and understand the interrelations among the fundamental elements of hospital inpatient care (patients, beds, theatre time, and staff). ⋯ Use of such a model will allow clinicians to participate in resource planning on the basis of what is actually happening within the hospital.
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To assess the feasibility and the validity of an audit using major trauma outcome study methods in an accident and emergency department. ⋯ Audit of management of major injuries should be carried out by every hospital, and the methodology of the major trauma outcome study is an excellent system for carrying out such audit. The study of all patients admitted with trauma requires appreciable extra resources, but most hospitals should be able to monitor the care of seriously injured patients as their numbers are much fewer.