Rym S, Gauss T, Pann J, Dünser M, Leone M and Duranteau J. Critical Care 2015, 19:423 - doi:10.1186/s13054-015-1092-5
To our knowledge, we report the first European survey focusing on trauma management. It provides a snapshot of trauma patient management across European countries. In addition, this article describes the level of agreement with the 2013 European trauma guidelines. The most striking finding is the variability of adherence to recommendations among responders, countries and protocols.
Conclusions
The TEM survey delivers several key messages. The heterogeneity in trauma care management and resources across European countries is significant. Deviations from guidelines are frequently reported and seem to be related to geographic region and specialty training. Further efforts are required to provide consensus guidelines and to improve their implementation across Europe. Further studies should be done to examine the effect of guidelines and whether compliance results in improved patient outcomes. Guidelines must not suppress innovation, but they may help the physician to deliver high-quality health care. This effort could be facilitated by a common trauma curriculum for all critical trauma care providers and a centralised European trauma registry.
Key messages
- Trauma care in Europe is heterogeneous.
- Surgeons, intensivists, anaesthesiologists and emergency medicine physicians share trauma care.
- Deviations from guidelines are frequent.
http://www.ccforum.com/content/19/1/423