Trauma centres and the efficient use of financial resources.

The economic aspects of trauma centres were examined using published results and local financial data to discover if such institutions are an efficient use of resources. The cost of trauma centre care depends upon the number of centres built. An 'ideal' system in the UK of eight centres will cost 31.268 pounds per life saved compared with 45.661 pounds for the system proposed by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Trauma centre care will be expensive but will generate benefits in return. Survivors will be young (mean age 30 years) and most (70-80 per cent) will regain their pre-injury functional/work status. When considered in terms of Quality Adjusted Life Years (QUALYs), trauma centres are a relatively efficient use of resources. An expected cost per QUALY of 942-1376 pounds is inexpensive compared with many health pursuits currently funded within the UK National Health Service.