The effect of a trauma centre on the pattern of presentation and outcome of trauma at national hospital Abuja

Abstract

A trauma system or its components has been shown to improve trauma services and outcome of seriously injured patients. This study is aimed at evaluating the impact of the trauma center at national hospital Abuja.  A retrospective study comprising trauma patients' data before (group A) and after (group B) the establishment of the trauma center, covering 1st August 2012 to 31st July 2016. The patients' medical records were reviewed and required information including basic characteristics, injury mechanism, length of stay and mortality were recorded. The data was subsequently analyzed using SPSS version 24.  Results were presented in tables. Test of significance was done using chi square (P<0.05) A total of 1,943 patients were studied, 472 before and 1471 after the establishment of the trauma center. Trauma admissions approximately tripled after takeoff of the trauma center. RTA constituted the highest mechanism of injury accounting for about 65% in both groups. Head injury was the commonest diagnoses/pattern of presentation in both arms though more common in group A (49.79%) than group B (37.32%). Length of hospital stay was shorter by about 3 days in group B but mortality increased from 7.4% to 9.4% in the trauma center group. There was increase in trauma patient admission after the trauma center and decreased length of stay in spite of modest increase in mortality rate; in addition the center has provided the background for trauma training, injury prevention services and research. A statewide trauma system is recommended.