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Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2010 | Original research

Differences in trauma team activation criteria among Norwegian hospitals

Authors: Kristin T Larsen, Oddvar Uleberg, Eirik Skogvoll

Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2010

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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Title: Differences in trauma team activation criteria among Norwegian hospitals
Authors: Kristin T Larsen
Oddvar Uleberg
Eirik Skogvoll
Publication date: 01-12-2010
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1757-7241
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-7241-18-21

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Differences in trauma team activation criteria among Norwegian hospitals

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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