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. 2010 Apr 20:18:21.
doi: 10.1186/1757-7241-18-21.

Differences in trauma team activation criteria among Norwegian hospitals

Kristin T Larsen  1 , Oddvar Uleberg, Eirik Skogvoll
Affiliations

Differences in trauma team activation criteria among Norwegian hospitals

Kristin T Larsen et al. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. .

Abstract

Background: To ensure the rapid and correct triage of patients in potential need of specialized treatment, Norwegian hospitals are expected to establish trauma teams with predefined criteria for their activation. The objective of this study was to map and describe the criteria currently in use.

Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional survey in the summer of 2008, using structured telephone interviews to all Norwegian hospitals that might admit severely injured patients.

Results: Forty-nine hospitals were included, of which 48 (98%) had a trauma team and 20 had a hospital-based trauma registry. Criteria for trauma team activation were found at 46 (94%) hospitals. No single criterion was common to all hospitals. The median number of criteria per hospital was 23 (range 8-40), with a total number of 156 and wide variation with respect to physiological "cut-off" values. The mechanism of injury was commonly in use despite a well-known, large over-triage rate.

Conclusions: In recent years, Norwegian hospitals have gradually established trauma teams and criteria for their activation. These criteria show considerable variation, including physiological "cut-off" values.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distribution of general results.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distribution of criteria most frequently in use, according to physiology, anatomy, and mechanism of injury.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Distribution of values on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) as a criterion for trauma team activation.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Distribution of values for ventilation rate (per min) used as a criterion for trauma team activation.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Distribution of values for fall height (m) when used as a criterion for trauma team activation.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Distribution of values for crash speed (km/h) when used as a criterion for trauma team activation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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