A Call to Follow-Up: Results Regarding Trauma Clinic Follow-Up Patterns. J Trauma Nurs 2019;26(6):290-296
Date
11/13/2019Pubmed ID
31714489DOI
10.1097/JTN.0000000000000467Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85074811147 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 4 CitationsAbstract
The objective of this study was to assess the current practice pattern regarding posthospitalization follow-up of trauma patients among the members of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST). An anonymous online multiple-choice survey of EAST members in 2016 was conducted. Ten questions relating to the follow-up care of injured patients were presented to the Active, Senior, and Associate members of EAST. Data were screened for quantitative concerns prior to analysis. Of the 1,610 members surveyed, 289 responded (18%). Approximately 52% of respondents stated that their institution has a dedicated trauma follow-up clinic where most injured patients are seen after discharge. Less than 20% reported that nontrauma multidisciplinary providers are present in clinics. Most (89.5%) reported that follow-up is a single visit, unless a patient has long-standing issues. Only 3 respondents stated that patients are regularly seen 3+ months out from injury, and a significant minority (17.7%) acknowledged no set follow-up timeline. Only 3.6% of participants indicated that they have a psychologist embedded in the trauma team, and 11.5% reported that no system is currently in place to manage mental health. Despite more than 20 years of literature highlighting the long-term physical and mental health sequelae after trauma, these survey results demonstrate that there is a lack of standardized and multidisciplinary follow-up. Given the improvement in outcomes with the identification and treatment of these sequelae, greater attention should be paid to functional recovery, social and psychological well-being, and chronic pain.
Author List
Trevino CM, Cooros JC, Chesney SA, deRoon-Cassini T, Carver TW, Milia DJAuthors
Thomas W. Carver MD Associate Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinDavid J. Milia MD Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Colleen Trevino PhD APP Clinical Dir Inpatient 2 in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Terri A. deRoon Cassini PhD Center Director, Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultAftercare
Attitude of Health Personnel
Critical Care
Critical Care Nursing
Female
Health Personnel
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Practice Guidelines as Topic
United States
