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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery

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01-04-2018 | Original Article

Admission delays’ magnitude of traumatized patients in the emergency department of a hospital in Egypt: a cross-sectional study

Authors: H. M. Saleh, A. E. Elsabagh, M. G. Elewa, A. A. Fawzy, O. M. Hassan, A. C. Comer, I. M. Abdelmonem, J. M. Hirshon, M. El-Shinawi

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 2/2018

Abstract

Background

Injury is an escalating public health problem, representing about 9% of global mortality, which disproportionately impacts lower- and middle-income countries. There are approximately 12,000 annual fatalities from road traffic injuries in Egypt, but a little information about delays in seeking emergent care is available.

Objectives

To measure the time interval between sustaining an injury and presentation to the emergency department of Ain Shams University Surgery Hospital and to identify possible causes of these delays.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, facilitated survey of a convenience sample of trauma patients presenting to the emergency department of Ain Shams University Surgery Hospital from 1 February to 31 May 2014. Data obtained included: demographic information, trauma incident details, and injury assessment.

Results

The average reported transport time for patients from injury to hospital arrival was 3.8 h, while the mean ambulance response time was 45 min. Referral from other hospitals was revealed to be a significant cause of delay (P = 0.004), while ignorance of the local ambulance phone number could not be confirmed as a cause (P = 0.2).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that trauma patients at our hospital experience more than 3 h of delay until they reach the ED. It also identified the possible causes accounting for that delay. However, additional nationwide research is needed to establish the clear causation or association of these causes with the delay intervals.

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Title: Admission delays’ magnitude of traumatized patients in the emergency department of a hospital in Egypt: a cross-sectional study
Authors: H. M. Saleh
A. E. Elsabagh
M. G. Elewa
A. A. Fawzy
O. M. Hassan
A. C. Comer
I. M. Abdelmonem
J. M. Hirshon
M. El-Shinawi
Publication date: 01-04-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-017-0762-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Admission delays’ magnitude of traumatized patients in the emergency department of a hospital in Egypt: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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