Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)
-
Currently, long-term outcomes are significant because health care system changes will likely lead to a single payment for each occurrence of care, including readmissions-the "bundled payment" system. Therefore, it is essential to understand the outcomes of trauma patients discharged alive from trauma centers. This article reviews the current knowledge base on the timing and causes of deaths after trauma. ⋯ Late deaths caused by multiple organ failure and sepsis have declined considerably, however. Also, the causes of death in this patient population remain constant. Lastly, a considerable number of deaths after discharge may be due to nontraumatic causes.