OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine patient and injury characteristics that predict undertriage and overtriage. DESIGN: This study was a retrospective analysis of admissions for acute injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All admissions for acute injuries in a 2 1/2-year period were included (N = 26,025). ICD-9 clinical modification codes were converted to Injury Severity Scores. MAIN RESULTS: Seventy-nine percent of severely injured patients were admitted to level I trauma centers. Severely injured patients admitted to other hospitals (undertriage) were more likely elderly (odds ratio = 5.44) and less likely had multisystem injuries (odds ratio = 0.55). One-fourth of patients with minor injuries were admitted to level I trauma centers (overtriage). Overtriaged patients were more likely intoxicated, obese, or had an injury to the head or face. CONCLUSIONS: In a developed trauma system, severely injured elderly trauma patients (especially females) are at risk for undertriage. The characteristics of patients at risk for overtriage reflect the difficulties of prospective out-of-hospital triage.
OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine patient and injury characteristics that predict undertriage and overtriage. DESIGN: This study was a retrospective analysis of admissions for acute injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All admissions for acute injuries in a 2 1/2-year period were included (N = 26,025). ICD-9 clinical modification codes were converted to Injury Severity Scores. MAIN RESULTS: Seventy-nine percent of severely injured patients were admitted to level I trauma centers. Severely injured patients admitted to other hospitals (undertriage) were more likely elderly (odds ratio = 5.44) and less likely had multisystem injuries (odds ratio = 0.55). One-fourth of patients with minor injuries were admitted to level I trauma centers (overtriage). Overtriaged patients were more likely intoxicated, obese, or had an injury to the head or face. CONCLUSIONS: In a developed trauma system, severely injured elderly traumapatients (especially females) are at risk for undertriage. The characteristics of patients at risk for overtriage reflect the difficulties of prospective out-of-hospital triage.
Authors: Carla F Justiniano; David C Evans; Charles H Cook; Daniel S Eiferman; Anthony T Gerlach; Paul R Beery; David E Lindsey; Gary E A Saum; Claire V Murphy; Sidney F Miller; Thomas J Papadimos; Steven M Steinberg; Stanislaw P A Stawicki Journal: J Surg Res Date: 2012-05-31 Impact factor: 2.192
Authors: Isaac Chu; Federico Vaca; Sam Stratton; Bharath Chakravarthy; Wirachin Hoonpongsimanont; Shahram Lotfipour Journal: Cal J Emerg Med Date: 2007-05
Authors: Jangwoen Lee; Jae G Kim; Sari Mahon; Bruce J Tromberg; Kathy L Ryan; Victor A Convertino; Caroline A Rickards; Kathryn Osann; Matthew Brenner Journal: J Biomed Opt Date: 2008 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 3.170