Polytrauma: Treatment, Cost, and Associated Factors

Abstract

Trauma is a multifactor problem with economic, social, and political burdens. In this article, we estimate its economic extension. This 3-yr study includes 69 patients above 14 yr of age, who experienced multiple traumatic injuries. We review their economic impact on the National Health System of Greece. Mean patient age is 38.91 yr, and most are male (85.5%), nonsmoking (69.6%), and without open fractures (78.3%). As a result of their injuries, most patients (76.8%) stayed in the intensive care unit (ICU), underwent surgery (76.8%), were transfused (68.1%), and became infected (63.8%). Mean cost was 16,365.65€, median cost 10,399.07€, minimum value 554.17€, and maximum value 89,243.52€. Of the 69 patients, 12 died. The number of polytrauma patients is relatively small compared to the total amount of patients in hospital care, but their impact on health services is very high. Patients admitted to the ICU are at great risk of infection, which can almost triple financial cost and increase hospital stay.