[Trauma care systems in Germany, USA and Australia. An international comparison]

Abstract

Due to the development of trauma care systems the treatment results of multiply injured patients have clearly improved during the last decades. More sophisticated preclinical algorithms, standardized procedures in the emergency room, calculated surgical strategies during the early phases and the subsequent intensive care (ICU) treatment as well as the implementation of trauma registries have all contributed to an improvement in trauma care. Different national trauma care systems have been developed due to the structural, geographic and demographic differences of the compared countries. However, large financial resources are required to maintain all three trauma care systems. To cope with financial losses in multiple trauma care, huge efforts of all the personnel involved are necessary to maintain the maximum treatment quality. In this context, national trauma registries, as well as the recently established trauma networks in Germany, might be helpful. Due to improvements in comprehensive trauma care and identification of expensive, but not prognosis improving treatment strategies, costs can be reduced by trauma registries and trauma networks.