Integrated Trauma Management System

Abstract

Trauma has a huge impact on the society and the economy. Large distances between the various human settlements in Queensland are a major challenge for the delivery of desired trauma care. In addition, health care budget has been struggling due to staggering costs. An integrated trauma management system (ITMS) is expected to maximise the appropriate and judicious use of available resources and deliver best possible services within budget constraints. A limited number of researches have been conducted to identify resource constraints and effective diversions for trauma cases in remote parts of Queensland. ITMS proposed in this paper covers activities, events and persons involved in trauma management. It analyses the impact of resource constraints and diversion rules for effective trauma care. Pre-hospital data are used for developing a process map. Simulation using Queensland scenarios assumed patients arrivals following the referral from regional/remote hospitals to regional trauma centres and to major trauma centres. Time stamps are used for the development and analysis of a simulation model using probabilistic approach for time to definitive care and patient outcomes. ITMS is able to further enhance quality of strategic planning. It can be extended to real time decision-making for better healthcare and reducing delays for arriving at definitive care. It is expected to further improve clinical outcome and transform the existing healthcare system into a more efficient, cost-effective and high quality healthcare service to the people living in remote areas.<br />