Trauma care audit using Srinagarind hospital's audit filter.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To audit trauma care (including the mortality rate and obstacles faced by the authors) at Srinagarind (University) Hospital using the trauma audit filter. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Conduct a prospective, descriptive, study of trauma patients who received trauma medical care at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, between January and May 2006. Srinagarind Hospitals trauma audit filter was used to audit trauma care. The audit filter comprised 14 criteria (i.e., 1) emergency medical service; 2) accident and emergency out-patient service; 3) in-patient service). Any filter that generated a "Yes" response was investigated to find the reason(s). The obstacles and mortality were also recorded. RESULTS: The authors enrolled 3209 patients. The mortality rate was 0.5% (95% CI 0.3-0.8). Emergency medical service, accident and emergency out- and in-patient service were rated satisfactorily. The reported obstacles were lack of hospital beds, inappropriate locale for trauma care, financial process, admission process, and lack of equipment. CONCLUSIONS: Srinagarind Hospital's audit filter had the capability to audit trauma care. Overall trauma care at Srinagarind Hospital was satisfactory albeit improvements are needed.