Trauma updates

TRAUMA ASSESSMENT TEAM ISSUES KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

An independent seven-member team of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT) has concluded its external review of Florida’s current trauma system. The four-day assessment was organized to provide the Florida Department of Health (DOH) with recommendations to improve Florida’s trauma system. Individuals who participated on this assessment team had no relationship with Florida by birth, education and training, or employment.

“This ACS site visit represents a milestone in Florida’s Trauma System development. For more than five years, the trauma community has been asking for this systems consultation, and now, the Department has delivered,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “It is time for the trauma community to come together and use these recommendations to make Florida’s trauma system even better. The people of Florida need a trauma system that is inclusive, sustainable and focused on safe, effective, and efficient care for injured patients in Florida.”

“Make peace,” said Robert J. Winchell, MD, FACS, Team Leader, who reminded stakeholders to find ways to collaboratively develop the system. The systems consultation team identified 18 preliminary key recommendations, including the following:

Convene a small, multi-disciplinary work group to analyze all existing statutes and regulations pertaining to the trauma system
Establish a transparent, broadly accepted process for initial full designation and ongoing re-designation of trauma centers based upon system participation, center performance, and participation in quality improvement programs
Require that all acute care facilities participate in the inclusive and integrated trauma system as a condition of licensure.
Evaluate the content, implementation, and method of enforcement of trauma transport protocols (TTPs) to assure uniformity and efficiency of patient flow both within trauma regions as well as statewide
Collaborate with the Florida Department of Transportation, Highway Safety Office to initiate and conduct a National Highway Traffic Safety EMS Reassessment

The committee identified several assets in the current system including long-standing legislative support, substantial funding and committed Department leadership. A final report from the systems consultation team is expected to be released within several months. The PowerPoint presentation along with the listing of key recommendations are posted below.

DOH protects, promotes and improves the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Florida Trauma System Consultation Power Point Presentation (pdf)

Florida Trauma System Consultation – American College of Surgeons – Key Recommendations (pdf)

Trauma Center Standards (pdf)

Orange Park Medical Center Letter (pdf)

Statement from DOH Regarding Trauma Center Verification (pdf)