The Social Determinants of Trauma: A Trauma Disparities Scoping Review and Framework

The effect of social determinants of health on patient outcomes in acute trauma: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Social determinants of health (SDoH) may mediate disparities, but their effect on outcomes after trauma is not well known. The purpose of this review is to improve existing gaps of knowledge for a broad range of SDoH and trauma-related outcomes.

METHODS

This was a systematic search to identify studies that evaluated the effect of race, insurance status, socioeconomic status (SES), health literacy, and community deprivation on inpatient mortality, morbidity, and post-discharge health care utilization in diverse trauma populations ≥16 years. Data were extracted on study design, patient and injury characteristics, outcomes, and covariates. Qualitative analysis was performed and reported results were stratified by exposure. An overall assessment of the strength of evidence for key clinically relevant comparisons was conducted.

RESULTS

60 studies were included. Overall, race was not meaningfully predictive of mortality or morbidity, with evidence reporting inconsistent or small magnitude of effects. However, African American/Black race was consistently associated with decreased odds of discharge to rehabilitation. Compared to insured patients, uninsured patients may have greater mortality risk and be less likely to discharge to rehabilitation. Studies evaluating health literacy or community deprivation reported conflicting results.

CONCLUSIONS

Disparities related to race are most profound for post-discharge health care utilization, while insurance status may be a strong negative predictor of both mortality and discharge disposition. More research is needed on health literacy and community deprivation to better understand mechanisms of disparity after trauma. Interventions targeted at improving continuity of inpatient and outpatient care may be beneficial.

The Complexity of Social Vulnerability of Person and Place on Mortality After Penetrating Trauma

INTRODUCTION

Social determinants of health impact outcomes after traumatic injury. Patient factors, including race, insurance status, and household income, have been associated with increased risk of mortality and worse outcomes. The social vulnerability index (SVI) is a comprehensive tool that quantifies these factors at the census tract or county level. We hypothesized that mortality after admission for penetrating trauma would be associated with higher vulnerability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We queried our level 1 trauma center supplemental database from 2019 to 2021 for mortality among adult patients presenting with a penetrating traumatic injury (n = 103). We assigned SVI based on patient address and location of injury. We used chi-square tests for association for all categorical variables and Mann-Whitney U tests for continuous variables. We then conducted a logistic regression and mediation analysis to assess the effect of injury severity score on mortality.

RESULTS

We found a significant association between SVI and mortality after comparing low and high SVI. While most patients with penetrating trauma came from the areas of highest SVI (64%), patients with low SVI (2nd and 3rd quartiles) had a higher mortality than those of the highest quartile (33.3% versus 14.1%, P = 0.021). High vulnerability was associated with improved survival and lower rates of all-cause mortality; however, this association was entirely mediated by the greater range of injury severity seen in the high-vulnerability group. The correlation between individual SVI and SVI of place of injury was strong.

CONCLUSIONS

SVI is associated with patient mortality after penetrating trauma in our locale, but not in the ways that we assumed. Our data suggest that we are missing the areas where disparity in care exists when considering only patients who make it to a trauma center. This may reflect the vulnerability of the immediate area around our institution such that a greater range of survivable injury presents and emphasizes the utility of secondary and tertiary violence prevention in the communities immediately surrounding our hospital.

Reporting Minority Race and Ethnicity in Trauma and Critical Care

INTRODUCTION

Race and ethnicity disparities in health care can only be understood if race and ethnicity are reported. Currently, reporting occurs only per authors' discretion without a mandatory journalistic standard. In light of the current social climate and with many medical journals setting standards regarding diversity and inclusion, we hypothesize that reporting for racial and ethnic minorities has changed in American trauma and critical care journals.

METHODS

The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Shock, and Critical Care Medicine were reviewed for patient outcomes research published between January 2018 and July 2024. Basic science, translational, and international studies were excluded. Manuscripts were reviewed for study type, reported race or ethnicity, and reports of specific race (e.g., White, Black, Hispanic, Asian). Data were analyzed over time using Chi-square and Cochrane-Armitage trend tests.

RESULTS

A total of 1372 papers were reviewed and 527 manuscripts were included. Of these studies, 263 (51%) reported race or ethnicity in their analyses. Of the studies that reported race, 99% reported White, 83% reported Black, 39% reported Asian, and 49% reported Hispanic ethnicity. There was a significant increase in reporting of Asian race pre-2020 versus post-2020 (P = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite increased national attention on racial disparities in medicine, our study found that reporting of race and ethnicity in trauma and critical care research remains inconsistent. Although there has been some improvement, including increased reporting of Asian populations, most studies still predominantly report White race. Continued efforts are needed to promote inclusivity and comprehensive demographic reporting to improve the generalizability of trauma research.

Exploring trauma-informed prenatal care preferences through diverse pregnant voices

BACKGROUND

There are no existing standards of care for integrating trauma-informed care into prenatal care in a patient-centered manner. This study aims to explore preferences of pregnant people regarding prenatal care, prenatal providers, resources, and trauma inquiry and response.

METHODS

This study utilized a qualitative descriptive design as part of a longitudinal randomized controlled pilot trial. It was conducted at a university-affiliated federally qualified health center and multi-specialty clinic in a large metropolitan area among a purposive sample of 27 racially/ethnically diverse pregnant individuals. Eligible participants aged ≥ 18 between 10 and 24 weeks gestation were identified via medical charts and recruited in person and by email. Interview-administered structured interviews were provided at the post-intervention assessment. Qualitative data collection extended from June 2023 through April 2024. We performed inductive analysis to generate codes and identify emergent themes derived from participant responses. Participant preferences for prenatal care were interpreted through the lens of the six trauma-informed care principles.

RESULTS

Participants had an average age of (M = 28, SD = 4.5; range = 19-38) years old. Of the 27 participants interviewed, 21 self-identified as Black (77.8%) and 5 as Hispanic (18.5%). Three themes identified optimal prenatal care preferences, including: (1) Agency and Choice; (2) Emphasis on Maternal and Child health and Wellbeing; and (3) Universal and Personalized Provision of Information and Resources. Participants wanted their providers to be Familiar and Experienced; Personally Engaging; and Emotionally Safe and Supportive. Three additional themes focused on patient preferences for addressing trauma during prenatal visits, including: (1) Value of Addressing Trauma; (2) Approaches to Asking about Trauma; and (3) Sensitive and Empathic Inquiry and Response.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient preferences identified by this study underscore the need for prenatal care to address the psychological health needs of pregnant patients to deliver high quality, comprehensive prenatal care that is trauma-informed and culturally-responsive.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05718479 on 08-02-2023.

Understanding disparities in firearm mortality: The role of person- and place-based factors

BACKGROUND

Racial and socioeconomic disparities in firearm homicide rates are well-established in the United States. However, findings have been mixed regarding disparities for in-hospital mortality among firearm injury patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of in-hospital mortality disparities and whether differences persist after adjusting for person- and place-based factors.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis evaluated all pediatric and adult patients admitted to a single level I trauma center with a statewide catchment area from 2010 to 2020. Patients with assault-related firearm injuries were included; those with accidental or self-inflicted firearm injuries were excluded. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Predictors included demographic (i.e., race, sex, age), socioeconomic (i.e., health insurance), injury (i.e., severity), and area-level (i.e., community distress, social vulnerability, rurality/urbanicity) characteristics.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 2,081 patients with assault-related firearm injuries, including 1,836 Black patients (88 %) and 1,838 males (88 %). The mean age was 32.3 (SD=11.9) years. A smaller proportion of Black (19 %) compared to White (27 %) patients had health insurance coverage. Among injury patients, there were 210 firearm deaths (10 %). In logistic regression analyses adjusting for demographic, injury, and socioeconomic characteristics, both insured patients and those with unspecified insurance status had lower risk of mortality than uninsured patients; these differences in mortality risk remained after accounting for potential survivor bias. Contrary to expectation, there were no racial differences in mortality risk. In multilevel models accounting for nesting of patients within geographic areas (i.e., zip codes, counties), differences in mortality risk by insurance status remained after accounting for community distress, social vulnerability, and rurality/urbanicity. However, racial and area-level differences in mortality risk emerged after accounting for survivor bias.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings are consistent with research showing lower in-hospital mortality among insured compared to uninsured trauma patients. Notably, this reduced mortality risk remained after controlling for important social determinants of trauma outcomes, and extended to patients with unspecified insurance status. Future research is needed to identify person- and place-based factors that could help to explain and mitigate differences in mortality risk based on insurance status.

Long-Term Outcomes and Determinants of New-Onset Mental Health Conditions After Trauma

Importance

Evidence suggests that trauma-related mortality and morbidities may follow a multiphasic pattern, with outcomes extending beyond hospital discharge.

Objectives

To determine the incidence of having new mental health conditions after the first (or index) trauma admission and their association with long-term health outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based, linked-data cohort study was conducted between January 1994 and September 2020, with data analyzed in April 2024. Participants were adult patients with trauma admitted to 1 of the 5 adult trauma hospitals in Western Australia. All patients with major trauma with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) greater than 15 were included. For each patient with major trauma, 2 patients with trauma with a lower ISS (<16) were randomly selected.

Exposure

A new mental health condition recorded in either subsequent public or private hospitalizations after trauma admission.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were the associations between new mental health conditions after trauma and subsequent risks of trauma readmission, suicide, and all-cause mortality, as determined by Cox proportional hazards regression. Logistic regression was used to determine which factors were associated with developing a new mental health condition after trauma.

Results

Of 29 191 patients (median [IQR] age, 42 [27-65] years; 19 383 male [66.4%]; median [IQR] ISS, 9 [5-16]; 9405 with ISS >15 and 19 786 with ISS <16) considered, 2233 (7.6%) had a mental health condition before their trauma admissions. The median (IQR) follow-up time after the index trauma admission was 99.8 (61.2-148.5) months. Of 26 958 patients without a prior mental health condition, 3299 (11.3%) developed a mental health condition subsequently, including drug dependence (2391 patients [8.2%], with 419 patients [1.4%] experiencing opioid dependence) and neurotic disorders (1574 patients [5.4%]), including posttraumatic stress disorder. Developing a new mental health condition after trauma was associated with subsequent trauma readmissions (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.23-1.37; P < .001), suicides (aHR, 3.14; 95% CI, 2.00-4.91; P < .001), and all-cause mortality (aHR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.12-1.38; P < .001). Younger age, unemployment, being single or divorced (vs married), Indigenous ethnicity, and a lower socioeconomic status were all associated with developing a new mental health condition after the first trauma admission.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study of 29 191 patients with trauma found that mental health conditions after trauma were common and associated with an increased risk of adverse long-term outcomes, indicating that mental health follow-up of patients with trauma, particularly those from vulnerable subgroups, may be warranted.

Trauma Outcomes Based on Remoteness of Injury in Australia: A Systemic Review

INTRODUCTION

Research suggests a significant disparity between rural and urban trauma patient outcomes, causing substantial social, economic and emotional costs, impacting health-related quality of life and functionality, and straining our healthcare system. There has not been a systematic examination of contributing factors in Australia.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to systematically describe the nature of research on trauma outcomes by geographical location and (where possible) describe factors found to increase or decrease the likelihood and severity of injury in rural Australia.

DESIGN

Five databases (EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL) and reference lists were searched. Eligible studies compared injury outcomes by geographic location in Australia, using a quantitative study design. No restrictions were placed on publication year or outcomes explored. The results were synthesised narratively.

FINDINGS

We found 14 papers. Mortality, the most studied outcome (n = 11), was overall positively related to traumatic incidents in more rural locations. Other data outcomes included hospital admissions and length of stay, admission to ICU, 28-day hospital readmission, rehabilitation, and patient-reported quality of life. Study findings show different mechanisms of injury (e.g., falls) and limited accounts of pre-hospital experiences.

DISCUSSION

Geographical location of trauma may impact the likelihood of injury mortality but is potentially confounded by the different mechanisms and severity of injury. There is insufficient evidence to make conclusions on other non-mortality and longer-term outcomes, and a greater understanding of prehospital outcomes is also needed.

CONCLUSION

This relationship is considered weak due to the limited geographic representation across Australia and the general paucity of recent literature.

Impact of neighborhood disadvantage on posttrauma outcomes after sexual assault

In the United States, 8,000,000 people seek emergency care for traumatic injury annually. Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) and sexual assault are two common sources of trauma, with evidence that reduced neighborhood-level socioeconomic characteristics increase posttraumatic pain and stress after an MVC. We evaluated whether neighborhood disadvantage was also associated with physical and mental posttrauma outcomes after sexual assault in a sample of adult women (N = 656) who presented for emergency care at facilities in the United States following sexual assault and were followed for 1 year. Neighborhood characteristics were assessed via the Area Deprivation Index, and self-reported pain, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were collected at 6 weeks posttrauma. Adjusted log-binomial regression models examined the association between each clinical outcome and neighborhood disadvantage. Women in more disadvantaged neighborhoods were more likely to be non-White and have lower annual incomes. At 6 weeks posttrauma, the prevalence of clinically significant pain, anxiety, and depressive symptoms more than doubled from baseline (41.7% vs. 18.8%, 62.4% vs. 23.9%, and 55.2% vs. 22.7%, respectively); 40.7% of women also reported PTSD symptoms. Black, Hispanic, and lower-income participants were more likely to report pre- and postassault pain, anxiety, and depression. After adjusting for race, ethnicity, and income, no significant association existed between neighborhood disadvantage and any outcome, ps = .197 - .859. Although neighborhood disadvantage was not associated with posttrauma outcomes, these findings highlight the need for continued research in diverse populations at high risk of adverse physical and mental health symptoms following sexual assault.

Posttraumatic Growth: The Role of Health and Financial Difficulties During a Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

Trauma can have a range of effects on individuals over time, including the potential for positive changes in favorable outcomes commonly referred to as posttraumatic growth. The posttraumatic growth literature has been criticized for various methodological limitations and has largely neglected the exploration of factors that may strengthen or weaken posttraumatic growth trajectories. The present study contributes to this literature by investigating trajectories of five dimensions of posttraumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic and the moderating effects of health and financial difficulties on these trajectories.

METHOD

Longitudinal data were collected monthly between July 2020 and December 2022 from a sample of employed adults in Germany, involving N = 1678 participants over 30 time points (Nobservations = 29,552).

RESULTS

Results suggest that certain dimensions of posttraumatic growth showed significant increases (i.e., relationships) or decreases (i.e., spirituality and possibilities) over time and that trajectories of three dimensions (i.e., relationships, appreciation, and strength) demonstrated distinctive patterns of interaction with health and financial difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings are discussed in the context of the pandemic as well as dynamic theories of personality and identity, with implications for advancing posttraumatic growth theory and research.

Social inequalities in child mental health trajectories: a longitudinal study using birth cohort data 12 countries

BACKGROUND

Social inequalities in child mental health are an important public health concern. Whilst previous studies have examined inequalities at a single time point, very few have used repeated measures outcome data to describe how these inequalities emerge. Our aims were to describe social inequalities in child internalising and externalising problems across multiple countries and to explore how these inequalities change as children age.

METHODS

We used longitudinal data from eight birth cohorts containing participants from twelve countries (Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom). The number of included children in each cohort ranged from N = 584 (Greece) to N = 73,042 (Norway), with a total sample of N = 149,604. Child socio-economic circumstances (SEC) were measured using self-reported maternal education at birth. Child mental health outcomes were internalising and externalising problems measured using either the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire or the Child Behavior Checklist. The number of data collection waves in each cohort ranged from two to seven, with the mean child age ranging from two to eighteen years old. We modelled the slope index of inequality (SII) using sex-stratified multi-level models.

RESULTS

For almost all cohorts, at the earliest age of measurement children born into more deprived SECs had higher internalising and externalising scores than children born to less deprived SECs. For example, in Norway at age 2 years, boys born to mothers of lower education had an estimated 0.3 (95% CI 0.3, 0.4) standard deviation higher levels of internalising problems (SII) compared to children born to mothers with high education. The exceptions were for boys in Australia (age 2) and both sexes in Greece (age 6), where we observed minimal social inequalities. In UK, Denmark and Netherlands inequalities decreased as children aged, however for other countries (France, Norway, Australia and Crete) inequalities were heterogeneous depending on child sex and outcome. For all countries except France inequalities remained at the oldest point of measurement.

CONCLUSIONS

Social inequalities in internalising and externalising problems were evident across a range of EU countries, with inequalities emerging early and generally persisting throughout childhood.

Posttraumatic stress and probable post traumatic stress disorder as it relates to smoking behavior and beliefs among trauma exposed hispanic persons who smoke

There has been little scientific effort to evaluate the associations between cigarette smoking and cessation-related constructs and exposure to traumatic events, posttraumatic stress, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms among Hispanic persons who smoke in the United States (US). Such trauma-related factors may pose unique difficulties for Hispanic persons who smoke and possess a desire to quit. As such, the present investigation sought to fill this gap in the literature and examine posttraumatic stress and probable PTSD in terms of their relations with several clinically significant smoking constructs among trauma-exposed Hispanic persons who smoke from the United States. Participants included 228 Spanish-speaking Hispanic persons who endorsed prior traumatic event exposure and smoked combustible cigarettes daily (58.3% female, Mage= 32.1 years, SD = 9.65). Results indicated that posttraumatic stress symptoms were related to increased cigarette dependence, perceived barriers for smoking cessation, and more severe problems when trying to quit with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate in adjusted models. Additionally, Hispanic persons who smoke with probable PTSD compared to those without probable PTSD showcased a statistically effect for perceived barriers for cessation (p < .008) and a severity of problems when trying to quit (p < .001). No effect was evident for cigarette dependence after alpha correction. Overall, the present study offers novel empirical evidence related to the role of posttraumatic stress symptoms and PTSD among Hispanic persons who smoke in the US. Such findings highlight the need to expand this line of research to better understand the role of posttraumatic stress and PTSD among Hispanic persons who smoke which can inform smoking cessation treatments for Hispanic persons who smoke experiencing trauma-related symptomology.

Community-Level Disadvantage of Adults With Firearm- vs Motor Vehicle-Related Injuries

Importance

Motor vehicle crash (MVC) and firearm injuries are 2 of the top 3 mechanisms of adult injury-related deaths in the US.

Objective

To understand the differing associations between community-level disadvantage and firearm vs MVC injuries to inform mechanism-specific prevention strategies and appropriate postdischarge resource allocation.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter cross-sectional study analyzed prospectively collected data from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Firearm Study. Included patients were treated either for firearm injury between March 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022, or for MVC-related injuries between January 1 and December 31, 2021, at 1 of 128 participating ACS trauma centers.

Exposures

Community distress.

Main outcome and Measure

Odds of presenting with a firearm as compared with MVC injury based on levels of community distress, as measured by the Distressed Communities Index (DCI) and categorized in quintiles.

Results

A total of 62 981 patients were included (mean [SD] age, 42.9 [17.7] years; 42 388 male [67.3%]; 17 737 Black [28.2%], 9052 Hispanic [14.4%], 36 425 White [57.8%]) from 104 trauma centers. By type, there were 53 474 patients treated for MVC injuries and 9507 treated for firearm injuries. Patients with firearm injuries were younger (median [IQR] age, 31.0 [24.0-40.0] years vs 41.0 [29.0-58.0] years); more likely to be male (7892 of 9507 [83.0%] vs 34 496 of 53 474 [64.5%]), identified as Black (5486 of 9507 [57.7%] vs 12 251 of 53 474 [22.9%]), and Medicaid insured or uninsured (6819 of 9507 [71.7%] vs 21 310 of 53 474 [39.9%]); and had a higher DCI score (median [IQR] score, 74.0 [53.2-94.8] vs 58.0 [33.0-83.0]) than MVC injured patients. Among admitted patients, the odds of presenting with a firearm injury compared with MVC injury were 1.50 (95% CI, 1.35-1.66) times higher for patients living in the most distressed vs least distressed ZIP codes. After controlling for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and payer type, the DCI components associated with the highest adjusted odds of presenting with a firearm injury were a high housing vacancy rate (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04-1.19) and high poverty rate (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.10-1.24). Among patients sustaining firearm injuries patients, 4333 (54.3%) received no referrals for postdischarge rehabilitation, home health, or psychosocial services.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of adults with firearm- and motor vehicle-related injuries, we found that patients from highly distressed communities had higher odds of presenting to a trauma center with a firearm injury as opposed to an MVC injury. With two-thirds of firearm injury survivors treated at trauma centers being discharged without psychosocial services, community-level measures of disadvantage may be useful for allocating postdischarge care resources to patients with the greatest need.

Trauma Informed Care for Nursing Action Bachelor of Science in Nursing Course

BACKGROUND

Nurses commonly experience psychological trauma with high risk for a host of mental health concerns such as suicide, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, as well as high rates of burnout and moral injury. Despite rigorous academic preparation, baccalaureate nursing education curricula lack content on the widespread effects of trauma.

METHOD

Using a trauma informed care (TIC) model, an innovative course called Trauma Informed Care for Nursing Action (TIC4NA) was created.

RESULTS

This course allows students to safely explore the profession of nursing to transform their learning about trauma related to patient care, the nursing community, and society.

CONCLUSION

TIC curriculum delivery offers supportive strategies to mitigate negative outcomes during nursing school. This content could have positive effects on nurse and nursing student retention as well as mitigating a barrage of negative outcomes for individual nurses and the nursing profession. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(4):233-240.].

The Impact of Relocating a Trauma Center: Retrospective Observations on Payer Demographics and Cost-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Standardization of trauma centers improves quality of care, yet that comes with financial challenges. The decision to designate a trauma center typically focuses on access, quality of care, and the needs of the local community, but less often considers the financial viability of the trauma center. A level-1 trauma center was relocated in 2017 and this presented an opportunity to compare financial data at two separate locations in the same city.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on the local trauma registry and billing database in all patients aged ≥19 years on the trauma service before and after the move.

RESULTS

3041 patients were included (pre-move: 1151; post-move: 1890). After the move, patients were older (9.5 years), and more were females (14.9%) and white (16.5%). Increases in blunt injuries (7.6%), falls (14.8%), and motor vehicle accidents (1.7%) were observed after the move. After the move, patients were less likely to be discharged home (6.5%) and more likely to go to a skilled nursing facility (3%) or inpatient rehabilitation (5.5%). Post-move more patients had Medicare (12.6%) or commercial (8.5%) insurance and charges per patient decreased by $2,833, while charges collected per patient increased by $2425. Patients were seen from a broader distribution of zip codes post-move.

DISCUSSION

Relocating a trauma center did improve financial viability for this institution. Future studies should consider the impact on the surrounding community and other trauma centers.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

High Rate of HIV Among Trauma Patients Participating in Routine Emergency Department Screening

Limited published data suggest rates of HIV may be high among trauma patients. This study compares rates of HIV screening and diagnosis among trauma and medical patients at a Level 1 trauma center emergency department (ED) with a universal HIV screening program. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of all ED encounters from May 1, 2018, through May 1, 2021. Duplicate encounters, encounters with repeat testing within one year, and patients younger than 18 or older than 65 were excluded. Chi-squared analysis was used to compare demographics, rates of HIV testing, new and known HIV infections, and linkage to care between trauma and medical patients. After exclusion criteria were applied, 147,430 encounters from 91,468 unique patients were analyzed. Trauma comprised 7,497 (5.4%) encounters. Trauma patients were less likely to be screened for HIV than medical patients (18.1% vs 25.6%; OR 0.64; 95%CI, 0.61-0.68, p < .01). Trauma patients had higher rates of HIV (2.2% vs 1.3%; OR 1.78; 95% CI, 1.22-2.58, p < .01). Both trauma and medical patients would benefit from strategies to increase screening. Including trauma patients in routine ED HIV screening should be a priority to increase diagnosis rate and linkage to care in key populations.

Disparities in trauma care education: An observational study of the ATLS course within a national trauma system

BACKGROUND

Disparities in trauma systems, including gaps between trauma center levels, affect patient outcomes. Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is a standard method of care that improves the performance of lower-level trauma systems. We sought to study potential gaps in ATLS education within a national trauma system.

METHODS

This prospective observational study examined the characteristics of 588 surgical board residents and fellows taking the ATLS course. The course is required for board certification in adult trauma specialties (general surgery, emergency medicine, and anesthesiology), pediatric trauma specialties (pediatric emergency medicine and pediatric surgery), and trauma consulting specialties (all other surgical board specialties). We compared the differences in course accessibility and success rates within a national trauma system which includes seven level 1 trauma centers (L1TC) and twenty-three non-level 1 hospitals (NL1H).

RESULTS

Resident and fellow students were 53% male, 46% employed in L1TC, and 86% were in the final stages of their specialty program. Only 32% were enrolled in adult trauma specialty programs. Students from L1TC had a 10% higher ATLS course pass rate than NL1H (p = 0.003). Trauma center level was associated with higher odds to pass the ATLS course, even after adjustment to other variables (OR = 1.925 [95% CI = 1.151 to 3.219]). Compared to NL1H, the course was two-three times more accessible to students from L1TC and 9% more accessible to adult trauma specialty programs (p = 0.035). The course was more accessible to students at early levels of training in NL1H (p < 0.001). Female students and trauma consulting specialties enrolled in L1TC programs were more likely to pass the course (OR = 2.557 [95% CI = 1.242 to 5.264] and 2.578 [95% CI = 1.385 to 4.800], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Passing the ATLS course is affected by trauma center level, independent of other student factors. Educational disparities between L1TC and NL1H include ATLS course access for core trauma residency programs at early training stages. Some gaps are more pronounced among consulting trauma specialties and female surgeons. Educational resources should be planned to favor lower-level trauma centers, specialties dealing in trauma care, and residents early in their postgraduate training.

Diagnosed Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Other Trauma-Associated Stress Disorders and Risk for Suicide Mortality

OBJECTIVE

Strong evidence exists for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors across diverse populations. However, few empirical studies have examined PTSD and other trauma-associated stress disorders as risk factors for suicide mortality among health system populations. This study aimed to assess trauma-associated stress diagnoses as risk factors for suicide mortality in a U.S. health system population.

METHODS

This case-control, matched-design study examined individuals who died by suicide between 2000 and 2015 and had received care from nine U.S. health systems affiliated with the Mental Health Research Network (N=3,330). Individuals who died by suicide were matched with individuals from the general health system population (N=333,000): 120 individuals with PTSD who died by suicide were matched with 1,592 control group members, 84 with acute reaction to stress were matched with 2,218 control individuals, and 331 with other stress reactions were matched with 8,174 control individuals.

RESULTS

After analyses were adjusted for age and sex, individuals with any trauma-associated stress condition were more likely to have died by suicide. Risk was highest among individuals with PTSD (adjusted OR [AOR]=10.10, 95% CI=8.31-12.27), followed by those with other stress reactions (AOR=5.38, 95% CI=4.78-6.06) and those with acute reaction to stress (AOR=4.49, 95% CI=3.58-5.62). Patterns of risk remained the same when the analyses were adjusted for any comorbid psychiatric condition.

CONCLUSIONS

All trauma-associated stress disorders are risk factors for suicide mortality, highlighting the importance of health system suicide prevention protocols that consider the full spectrum of traumatic stress diagnoses.

Indicators for the evaluation of musculoskeletal trauma systems: A scoping review and Delphi study

BACKGROUND

Trauma is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. Musculoskeletal trauma results in the majority of post-traumatic morbidity and disability globally. The literature has reported many performance indicators relating to trauma care, but few specific to musculoskeletal injuries.

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to establish a practical list of performance indicators to evaluate and monitor the quality and equity of musculoskeletal trauma care delivery in health systems worldwide.

METHODS

A scoping review was performed that identified performance indicators related to musculoskeletal trauma care. Indicators were organized by phase of care (general, prevention, pre-hospital, hospital, post-hospital) within a modified Donabedian model (structure, process, outcome, equity). A panel of 21 experts representing 45 countries was assembled to identify priority indicators utilizing a modified Delphi approach.

RESULTS

The scoping review identified 1,206 articles and 114 underwent full text review. We included 95 articles which reported 498 unique performance indicators. Most indicators related to the hospital phase of care (n = 303, 60%) and structural characteristics (n = 221, 44%). Mortality (n = 50 articles) and presence of trauma registries (n = 16 articles) were the most frequently reported indicators. After 3 rounds of surveys our panel reached consensus on a parsimonious list of priority performance indicators. These focused on access to trauma care; processes and key resources for polytrauma triage, patient stabilization, and hemorrhage control; reduction and immobilization of fractures and dislocations; and management of compartment syndrome and open fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

The literature has reported many performance indicators relating to trauma care, but few specific to musculoskeletal injuries. To create quality and equitable trauma systems, musculoskeletal care must be incorporated into development plans with continuous monitoring and improvement. The performance indicators identified by our expert panel and organized in a modified Donabedian model can serve as a method for evaluating musculoskeletal trauma care.

An Evaluation of the Multifactorial Model of Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment

BACKGROUND

Up to 45% of patients report cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). A variety of characteristics are associated with the occurrence and/or severity of CRCI. However, an important gap in knowledge of risk factors for CRCI is the relative contribution of each factor. The multifactorial model of cancer-related cognitive impairment (MMCRCI) is a conceptual model of CRCI that can be used to evaluate the strength of relationships between various factors and CRCI.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to use structural regression methods to evaluate the MMCRCI using data from a large sample of outpatients receiving chemotherapy ( n = 1,343). Specifically, the relationships between self-reported CRCI and four MMCRCI concepts (i.e., social determinants of health, patient-specific factors, treatment factors, and co-occurring symptoms) were examined. The goals were to determine how well the four concepts predicted CRCI and determine the relative contribution of each concept to deficits in perceived cognitive function.

METHODS

This study is part of a larger, longitudinal study that evaluated the symptom experience of oncology outpatients receiving chemotherapy. Adult patients were diagnosed with breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, or lung cancer; had received chemotherapy within the preceding 4 weeks; were scheduled to receive at least two additional cycles of chemotherapy; were able to read, write, and understand English; and gave written informed consent. Self-reported CRCI was assessed using the attentional function index. Available study data were used to define the latent variables.

RESULTS

On average, patients were 57 years of age, college educated, and with a mean Karnofsky Performance Status score of 80. Of the four concepts evaluated, whereas co-occurring symptoms explained the largest amount of variance in CRCI, treatment factors explained the smallest amount of variance. A simultaneous structural regression model that estimated the joint effect of the four exogenous latent variables on the CRCI latent variable was not significant.

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest that testing individual components of the MMCRCI may provide useful information on the relationships among various risk factors, as well as refinements of the model. In terms of risk factors for CRCI, co-occurring symptoms may be more significant than treatment factors, patient-specific factors, and/or social determinants of health in patients receiving chemotherapy.

Racial, Gender, and Neighborhood-Level Disparities in Pediatric Trauma Care

BACKGROUND

Disparities in trauma outcomes and care are well established for adults, but the extent to which similar disparities are observed in pediatric trauma patients requires further investigation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the unique contributions of social determinants (race, gender, insurance status, community distress, rurality/urbanicity) on trauma outcomes after controlling for specific injury-related risk factors.

STUDY DESIGN

All pediatric (age < 18) trauma patients admitted to a single level 1 trauma center with a statewide, largely rural, catchment area from January 2010 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed (n = 14,398). Primary outcomes were receipt of opioids in the emergency department, post-discharge rehabilitation referrals, and mortality. Multivariate logistic regressions evaluated demographic, socioeconomic, and injury characteristics. Multilevel logistic regressions evaluated area-level indicators, which were derived from abstracted home addresses.

RESULTS

Analyses adjusting for demographic and injury characteristics revealed that Black children (n = 6255) had significantly lower odds (OR = 0.87) of being prescribed opioid medications in the emergency department compared to White children (n = 5883). Children living in more distressed and rural communities had greater odds of receiving opioid medications. Girls had significantly lower odds (OR = 0.61) of being referred for rehabilitation services than boys. Post hoc analyses revealed that Black girls had the lowest odds of receiving rehabilitation referrals compared to Black boys and White children.

CONCLUSION

Results highlight the need to examine both main and interactive effects of social determinants on trauma care and outcomes. Findings reinforce and expand into the pediatric population the growing notion that traumatic injury care is not immune to disparities.

Social Determinants of Health and Patients With Traumatic Injuries: Is There a Relationship Between Social Health and Orthopaedic Trauma?

BACKGROUND

Although economic stability, social context, and healthcare access are well-known social determinants of health associated with more challenging recovery after traumatic injury, little is known about how these factors differ by mechanism of injury. Our team sought to use the results of social determinants of health screenings to better understand the population that engaged with psychosocial support services after traumatic musculoskeletal injury and fill a gap in our understanding of patient-reported social health needs.

QUESTION/PURPOSE

What is the relationship between social determinants of health and traumatic musculoskeletal injury?

METHODS

Trauma recovery services is a psychosocial support program at our institution that offers patients and their family members resources such as professional coaching, peer mentorship, post-traumatic stress disorder screening and treatment, educational resources, and more. This team engages with any patient admitted to, treated at, and released from our institution. Their primary engagement population is individuals with traumatic injury, although not exclusively. Between January 2019 and October 2021, the trauma recovery services team interacted with 6036 patients. Of those who engaged with this service, we considered only patients who experienced a traumatic musculoskeletal injury and had a completed social determinants of health screening tool. During the stated timeframe, 13% (814 of 6036) of patients engaged with trauma recovery services and had a complete social determinants of health screening tool. Of these, 53% (428 of 814) had no physical injury. A further 26% (99 of 386) were excluded because they did not have traumatic musculoskeletal injuries, leaving 4.8% (287) for analysis in this cross-sectional study. The study population included patients who interacted with trauma recovery services at our institution after a traumatic orthopaedic injury that occurred between January 2019 and October 2021. Social determinants of health risk screening questionnaires were self-administered prospectively using a screening tool developed by our institution based on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services social determinants of health screening questions. Mechanisms of injury were separated into intentional (physical assault, sexual assault, gunshot wound, or stabbing) and unintentional (fall, motor vehicle collision, or motorcycle crash). During the study period, 287 adult patients interacted with trauma recovery services after a traumatic musculoskeletal injury and had complete social determinant of health screening; 123 injuries were unintentional and 164 were intentional. Patients were primarily women (55% [159 of 287]), single (73% [209 of 287]), and insured by Medicaid or Medicare (78% [225 of 287]). Mechanism category was determined after a thorough medical record review to verify the appropriate category. An initial exploratory univariate analysis was completed for the primary outcome variable using the Pearson chi-squared test for categorical variables and a two-tailed independent t-test for continuous variables. All demographic variables and social determinants of health with p < 0.20 in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate binary regression analysis to determine independent associations with injury mechanism. All variables with p < 0.05 in the multivariate analysis were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

After controlling for potential demographic confounders, younger age (odds ratio [OR] 0.93 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90 to 0.96]; p < 0.001), Black race (compared with White race, OR 2.71 [95% CI 1.20 to 6.16]; p = 0.02), Hispanic ethnicity (compared with White race, OR 5.32 [95% CI 1.62 to 17.47]; p = 0.006), and at-risk status for food insecurity (OR 4.27 [95% CI 1.18 to 15.39]; p = 0.03) were independently associated with intentional mechanisms of injury.

CONCLUSION

There is a relationship between the mechanism of traumatic orthopaedic injury and social determinants of health risks. Specifically, data showed a correlation between food insecurity and intentional injury. Healthcare systems and providers should be cognizant of this, as well as the additional challenges patients may face in their recovery journey because of social needs. Screening for needs is only the first step in addressing patient's social health needs. Healthcare systems should also allocate resources for personnel and programs that support patients in meeting their social health needs. Future studies should evaluate the impact of such programming in responding to social needs that impact health outcomes and improve health disparities.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, prognostic study.

Nursing leadership and influence in practice domains at a Veterans Affairs Health Care System

BACKGROUND

Studies in Veteran populations have examined disparities in health service use, care quality, outcomes and increased demands for behavioral health.

PURPOSE

The purpose is to describe the development of nursing leadership roles that influenced practice improvements and demonstrated outcomes related to health disparities in a Veterans Affairs (VA) population over a 12-year period.

METHODS

The Sundean and colleagues' concept analysis of nurse leadership influence was applied to frame the initiative process and impacts.

DISCUSSION

Antecedents and processes that facilitated leadership development included mentorship, disparities expertise, partnerships, consultation, scholarship, dissemination, advocacy, education, and strong coauthor collaboration. Improvements and outcomes included access to services, improved health indicators, tools, workforce, funding, innovations, and nurse investigator studies, consistent with VA priorities and policy related to disparities and equity. Limitations and barriers were addressed.

CONCLUSION

This initiative models' strategies to increase nurse leadership in health equity and care transformation in health systems and community practices.

Comprehensive Framework of Firearm Violence Survivor Care: A Review

Importance

Firearm violence is a public health crisis placing significant burden on individuals, communities, and health care systems. After firearm injury, there is increased risk of poor health, disability, and psychopathology. The newest 2022 guidelines from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma require that all trauma centers screen for risk of psychopathology and provide referral to intervention. Yet, implementing these guidelines in ways that are responsive to the unique needs of communities and specific patient populations, such as after firearm violence, is challenging.

Observations

The current review highlights important considerations and presents a model for trauma centers to provide comprehensive care to survivors of firearm injury. This model highlights the need to enhance standard practice to provide patient-centered, trauma-informed care, as well as integrate inpatient and outpatient psychological services to address psychosocial needs. Further, incorporation of violence prevention programming better addresses firearm injury as a public health concern.

Conclusions and Relevance

Using research to guide a framework for trauma centers in comprehensive care after firearm violence, we can prevent complications to physical and psychological recovery for this population. Health systems must acknowledge the socioecological context of firearm violence and provide more comprehensive care in the hospital and after discharge, to improve long-term recovery and serve as a means of tertiary prevention of firearm violence.

Impact of the Social Determinants of Health on Adult Trauma Outcomes

Social determinants of health (SDOHs) have been well studied within the literature in the United States but the effects of these determinants of health on patients with trauma have garnered less attention. The interaction between patients with SDOHs and patients with trauma requires clinicians caring for this population to view patients with trauma through a multifaceted lens. The purpose of this article will be to illuminate the drivers of trauma in the adult population and how the SDOHs and the health-care system come together to contribute to disparities in trauma outcomes.

De un centro de trauma a un sistema de trauma en el suroccidente colombiano

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto sobre la mortalidad según el perfil de ingreso a un centro de trauma del suroccidente colombiano, como método para entender las dinámicas de atención del paciente con trauma. Métodos. Se realizó un subanálisis del registro de la Sociedad Panamericana de Trauma asociado a un centro de trauma en el suroccidente colombiano. Se analizaron los pacientes atendidos entre los años 2012 y 2021. Se compararon los pacientes con condición de ingreso directo y aquellos que ingresaron remitidos. Se hicieron análisis de poblaciones de interés como pacientes con trauma severo (ISS > 15) y pacientes con/sin trauma craneoencefálico. Se evaluó el impacto de los pacientes remitidos y su condición al ingreso sobre la mortalidad. Resultados. Se incluyeron 10.814 pacientes. La proporción de pacientes remitidos fue del 54,7 %. Los pacientes que ingresaron remitidos presentaron diferencias respecto a la severidad del trauma y compromiso fisiológico al ingreso comparado con los pacientes con ingreso directo. Los pacientes remitidos tienen mayor riesgo de mortalidad (RR: 2,81; IC95% 2,44-3,22); sin embargo, es el estado fisiológico al ingreso lo que impacta en la mortalidad. Conclusión. Los pacientes remitidos de otras instituciones tienen un mayor riesgo de mortalidad, siendo una inequidad en salud que invita a la articulación de actores institucionales en la atención de trauma. Un centro de trauma debe relacionarse con las instituciones asociadas para crear un sistema de trauma que optimice la atención de los pacientes y la oportunidad.

The Impact of Relocating a Trauma Center: Observations on Patient Injury Demographics and Resident Volumes

Introduction Changing the physical zip code location of an academic trauma center may affect the distribution and surgical volume of its trauma patients. General surgical residency case log requirements may also be affected. This study describes the impact of moving a level I trauma center to a different zip code location, on the hospital and resident trauma case volumes. Methods This retrospective analysis included all patients within the local trauma registry across two fiscal years representing the pre- and post-move timeframes. Variables collected included patient basic sociodemographic and injury information, trauma activation level and transfer status, management (operative management [OPM] versus non-operative management [NOPM]), and resident case logs. Results During fiscal years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, 3,025 patients were included. Pre-move and post-move trauma volumes were 1,208 and 1,817 respectively. Post-move changes demonstrated differences in basic sociodemographics, with differences in age (six years older), a shift toward white and away from black (12.89%), and males being seen more frequently (11.87%). Injury severity score distribution shifted (7.72%) towards less severe trauma scores (<15), the percentage of patients with blunt trauma (4.19%) and falls increased (ground level and greater than 1 meter, 9.78%) while the number of patients considered full activations were decreased (15.67%). Proportions of OPM and NOPM trauma cases remained unchanged with the exception of a reduction in emergent operative trauma (3.1%). Resident case logs requirements were met both pre- and post-move. Conclusion Relocating the trauma center to a different zip code location did not negatively impact our resident case volumes. Total trauma volumes were increased, with a shift in the demographics and severity distribution of injuries.

Social determinants of trauma care: Associations of race, insurance status, and place on opioid prescriptions, postdischarge referrals, and mortality

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities in trauma care have been reported for a range of outcomes, but the extent to which these remain after accounting for socioeconomic and environmental factors remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the unique contributions of race, health insurance, community distress, and rurality/urbanicity on trauma outcomes after carefully controlling for specific injury-related risk factors.

METHODS

All adult (age, ≥18 years) trauma patients admitted to a single Level I trauma center with a statewide, largely rural, catchment area from January 2010 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Primary outcomes were mortality, rehabilitation referral, and receipt of opioids in the emergency department. Demographic, socioeconomic, and injury characteristics as well as indicators of community distress and rurality based on home address were abstracted from a trauma registry database.

RESULTS

Analyses revealed that Black patients (n = 13,073) were younger, more likely to be male, more likely to suffer penetrating injuries, and more likely to suffer assault-based injuries compared with White patients (n = 10,946; all p < 0.001). In adjusted analysis, insured patients had a 28% lower risk of mortality (odds ratio, 0.72; p = 0.005) and were 92% more likely to be referred for postdischarge rehabilitation than uninsured patients (odds ratio, 1.92; p = 0.005). Neither race- nor place-based factors were associated with mortality. However, post hoc analyses revealed a significant race by age interaction, with Black patients exhibiting more pronounced increases in mortality risk with increasing age.

CONCLUSION

The present findings help disentangle the social determinants of trauma disparities by adjusting for place and person characteristics. Uninsured patients were more likely to die and those who survived were less likely to receive referrals for rehabilitation services. The expected racial disparity in mortality risk favoring White patients emerged in middle age and was more pronounced for older patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and epidemiological, Level III.

COVID-19 Vaccination Gap in Admitted Trauma Patients: A Critical Opportunity

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is the core strategy for pandemic management. We hypothesized that a vaccination gap might exist between emergency department (ED) patients admitted for trauma and other ED patients.

STUDY DESIGN

This was an observational quality improvement study using electronic health record data at an academic level-1 trauma center. Participants were all patients presenting to the adult ED with a Tennessee home address between January 1 and June 1, 2021. We measured the proportional difference in vaccination between admitted trauma patients and other ED patients over time (by week) and association via Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Binary logistic regression facilitated covariate analysis to account for age, sex, race, home county, and ethnicity without and then with interaction between trauma admission and time. Geographic visual analysis compared county-level vaccination rates with odds of trauma admission by home county using a bivariate chloropleth map.

RESULTS

The proportional difference in vaccination between trauma-admitted and other ED patients increased over time (Spearman's = 0.699). Adjusting for age, sex, race, home county, and ethnicity, there was a statistically significant vaccination difference between trauma-admitted and other ED patients (odds ratio = 0.53, 95% CI 0.43-0.65, p < 0.0001). Geographic analysis revealed increased trauma admission odds and lower vaccination rates in surrounding counties compared with Davidson County.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a widening COVID-19 vaccination gap between trauma-admitted and other ED patients. Vaccine outreach during trauma admission may provide a valuable point of contact for unvaccinated patients.

Assaultive trauma, alcohol use, and alcohol-related consequences among American Indian adolescents

BACKGROUND

American Indian (AI) adolescents report disproportionate higher rates of alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences than adolescents from other racial/ethnic groups. Trauma exposure is also reported at high rates among AI individuals and likely confers risk for alcohol use. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of assaultive trauma experiences (e.g., physical assault, sexual assault) on alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences in AI adolescents.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of self-reported data on trauma exposure, alcohol consumption, and lifetime alcohol-related consequences provided by AI 7th to 12th graders residing on or near a reservation (n = 3498, M_age  = 14.8; 49.5% female). Institutional Review Boards, tribal authorities, and school boards approved the study protocols prior to beginning data collection.

RESULTS

Nearly half (49.3%, n = 1498) of AI adolescents reported having experienced at least one assaultive trauma in their lifetime. Those who had experienced assaultive trauma were more likely to report lifetime alcohol use (χ²  = 111.84, p < 0.001) and experienced greater alcohol-related consequences (t(1746) = 12.21, p < 0.001) than those with no assaultive trauma exposure. Multilevel regression analyses indicated that a greater number of assaultive traumatic events was significantly associated with greater odds of lifetime alcohol use (p < 0.001, OR = 1.81, 95% CI [1.65, 2.00]) and having experienced a greater number of alcohol-related consequences (b = 0.36, SE = 0.04, t = 16.95, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.31, 0.46]).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of the present study highlight the relevance of exposure to assaultive trauma to AI adolescents' use of alcohol and experiences of alcohol-related consequences. These findings support the need for trauma-informed interventions in addressing alcohol use among AI adolescents.

Social determinants of health and patient-level mortality prediction after trauma

BACKGROUND

Social determinants of health (SDOH) impact patient outcomes in trauma. Census data are often used to account for SDOH; however, there is no consensus on which variables are most important. Social vulnerability indices offer the advantage of combining multiple constructs into a single variable. Our objective was to determine if incorporation of SDOH in patient-level risk-adjusted outcome modeling improved predictive performance.

METHODS

We evaluated two social vulnerability indices at the zip code level: Distressed Community Index (DCI) and National Risk Index (NRI). Individual variable combinations from Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's SDOH data set were used for comparison. Patients were obtained from the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcomes Study 2000 to 2020. These measures were added to a validated base mortality prediction model with comparison of area under the curve and Bayesian information criterion. We performed center benchmarking using risk-standardized mortality ratios to evaluate change in rank and outlier status based on SDOH. Geospatial analysis identified geographic variation and autocorrelation.

RESULTS

There were 449,541 patients included. The DCI and NRI were associated with an increase in mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.03 per 10% percentile rank increase; p < 0.01, respectively). The DCI, NRI, and seven Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality variables also improved base model fit but discrimination was similar. Two thirds of centers changed mortality ranking when accounting for SDOH compared with the base model alone. Outlier status changed in 7% of centers, most representing an improvement from worse-than-expected to nonoutlier or nonoutlier to better-than-expected. There was significant geographic variation and autocorrelation of the DCI and NRI (DCI; Moran's I 0.62, p = 0.01; NRI; Moran's I 0.34, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Social determinants of health are associated with an individual patient's risk of mortality after injury. Accounting for SDOH may be important in risk adjustment for trauma center benchmarking.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic/Epidemiologic, level IV.

Association of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion with Trauma Outcomes and Access to Rehabilitation among Young Adults: Findings Overall, by Race and Ethnicity, and Community Income Level

BACKGROUND

Low-income young adults disproportionately experience traumatic injury and poor trauma outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion, in its first 4 years, on trauma care and outcomes in young adults, overall and by race, ethnicity, and ZIP code-level median income.

STUDY DESIGN

Statewide hospital discharge data from 5 states that did and 5 states that did not implement Medicaid expansion were used to perform difference-in-difference (DD) analyses. Changes in insurance coverage and outcomes from before (2011-2013) to after (2014-2017) Medicaid expansion and open enrollment were examined in trauma patients aged 19 to 44 years.

RESULTS

Medicaid expansion was associated with a decrease in the percentage of uninsured patients (DD -16.5 percentage points; 95% CI, -17.1 to -15.9 percentage points). This decrease was larger among Black patients but smaller among Hispanic patients than White patients. It was also larger among patients from lower-income ZIP codes (p < 0.05 for all). Medicaid expansion was associated with an increase in discharge to inpatient rehabilitation (DD 0.6 percentage points; 95% CI, 0.2 to 0.9 percentage points). This increase was larger among patients from the lowest-compared with highest-income ZIP codes (p < 0.05). Medicaid expansion was not associated with changes in in-hospital mortality or readmission or return ED visit rates overall, but was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality among Black patients (DD -0.4 percentage points; 95% CI, -0.8 to -0.1 percentage points).

CONCLUSIONS

The Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion, in its first 4 years, increased insurance coverage and access to rehabilitation among young adult trauma patients. It also reduced the socioeconomic disparity in inpatient rehabilitation access and the disparity in in-hospital mortality between Black and White patients.

Culturally Responsive Trauma-Informed Services: A Multilevel Perspective from Practitioners Serving Latinx Children and Families

Using a multilevel ecological framework, we take a qualitative approach to examining important cultural considerations that support successful implementation of trauma-informed services within the Latinx community. We conducted key informant interviews with community practitioners recruited primarily in the Phoenix, AZ metro area. Themes that emerged from interviews captured societal, community, and individual barriers to effective implementation of a culturally responsive trauma-informed approach. Specifically, multilevel barriers included socioeconomic circumstances, normalization of trauma exposure, and the transgenerational impact of trauma. Practitioners also reported approaching their work using relationship-focused and family-centered frameworks as facilitators to service engagement. We highlight the critical need for a culturally responsive trauma-informed approach that stresses the importance of context, recognizes transgenerational vulnerabilities, and promotes equity and the utilization of cultural humility in order to lessen the multilayered disparities in service accessibility experienced by minoritized communities.

Evidence and guidelines for trauma-informed doula care

OBJECTIVE

Trauma and trauma-related health conditions are common during pregnancy, but there is little evidence and guidance on how doulas (trained lay birth assistants) can provide trauma-informed care. The purpose of this narrative review is to critique and synthesize the existing evidence for trauma-informed doula care and to offer guidelines for practice.

DESIGN

We conducted a narrative review of existing evidence in the peer-reviewed and gray literatures on trauma-informed care in maternity and perinatal settings including doula training curricula and community-based doula guidelines on trauma-informed doula care. Materials were analyzed for relevant data on trauma and pregnancy, evidence-based approaches for trauma-informed doula and perinatal care, and strengths/weaknesses of the evidence including research design, gaps in the evidence base, and populations included.

SETTING

This narrative review focuses on trauma-informed doula care in the United States, although the evidence and guidelines provided are likely applicable in other settings.

KEY CONCLUSIONS

To be trauma-informed, doulas must first realize the scope and impact of trauma on pregnancy including possible ways to recovery; then recognize signs and symptoms of trauma during pregnancy; be ready to respond by integrating evidence and sensitivity into all doula training and practices; and always resist re-traumatization. Trauma-informed doula care also centers on these 6 principles: safety; trustworthiness and transparency; peer support with other survivors; collaboration and mutuality; resilience, empowerment, voice, and choice; and social, cultural, and historical considerations. In practice, this includes universal trauma-informed doula care offered to all clients, trauma-targeted care that can be offered specifically to clients who are identified as trauma survivors, and connection to trauma specialist services.

Organ donation after trauma: A 30-year review

BACKGROUND

Over the past 30 years, the demographics, clinical characteristics, and management of trauma patients have changed dramatically. During this same period, the organ donor population has also changed. The interactions between these two demographic shifts have not been examined in a systematic way. We hypothesize that trauma victims continue to be an important source of organs. We set out to systematically examine traumatic donors in an attempt to identify opportunities to increase organ recovery and quality.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, we compared trauma donors (TDs) and non-TDs (NTDs) in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients standard analysis files, a clinical data set collected by the Organ Procurement Transplant Network on all solid organ transplant candidates, donors, and recipients in the United States since 1987.

RESULTS

Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients contained data on 191,802 deceased donors. The percentage of TDs decreased from 55.3% in 1987 to 35.8% in 2016 (p < 0.001) primarily due to a steady increase in NTDs. Trauma donors are younger and have fewer comorbidities while the percentage of donors who were public health service high risk or who underwent donation after cardiac death were clinically similar. The TDs produce more organs/donor (3.5 vs. 2.4, p < 0.001), are more likely to yield an extrarenal organ, and exhibit lower (better) Kidney Donor Risk Index scores, a predictor of graft longevity. These better outcomes are maintained after stratifying by age.

CONCLUSION

Over the past 30 years, the number of NTDs has increased much more than the number of TDs. However, TDs remain a critically important organ donor source, yielding more organs per donor, better quality kidneys, and a higher likelihood of extrarenal organs. Potential causes, such as improved resuscitation protocols, should be examined in the future.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective review, level III.

The relationship between geographic location and outcomes following injury: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Globally, injury incidence and injury-fatality rates are higher in regional and remote areas. Recovery following serious injury is complex and requires a multi-disciplinary approach to management and community re-integration to optimise outcomes. A significant knowledge gap exists in understanding the regional variations in hospital and post-discharge outcomes following serious injury. The aim of this study was to review the evidence exploring the association between the geographic location, including both location of the event and place of residence, and outcomes following injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A scoping review was used to investigate this topic and provide insight into geographic variation in outcomes following traumatic injury. Seven electronic databases and reference lists of relevant articles were searched from inception to October 2018. Studies were included if they measured injury-related mortality, outcomes associated with hospital admission, post-injury physical or psychological function and analysed these outcomes in relation to geographic location.

RESULTS

Of the 2,213 studies identified, 47 studies were included revealing three key groups of outcomes: mortality (n = 35), other in-hospital outcomes (n = 8); and recovery-focused outcomes (n = 12). A variety of measures were used to classify rurality across studies with inconsistent definitions of rurality/remoteness. Of the studies reporting injury-related mortality, findings suggest that there is a greater risk of fatality in rural areas overall and in the pre-hospital phase. For those patients that survived to hospital, the majority of studies included identified no difference in mortality between rural and urban patient groups. In the small number of studies that reported other in-hospital and recovery outcomes no consistent trends were identified.

CONCLUSION

Rural patients had a higher overall and pre-hospital mortality following injury. However, once admitted to hospital, there was no significant difference in mortality. Inconsistencies were noted across measures of rurality measures highlighting the need for more specific and consistent international classification methods. Given the paucity of data on the impact of geography on non-mortality outcomes, there is a clear need to develop a larger evidence base on regional variation in recovery following injury to inform the optimisation of post-discharge care services.