Resource utilization and indications for helicopter transport of head-injured children.

INTRODUCTION: Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) have provided benefit for severely injured patients. However, HEMS are likely overused for the transportation of both adult and pediatric trauma patients. In this study, we aim to evaluate the degree of overuse of helicopter as a mode of transport for head-injured children. In addition, we propose criteria that can be used to determine if a particular patient is suitable for air versus ground transport. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified patients who were transported to our facility for head injuries. We included only those patients who were transported from another facility and who were seen by the neurosurgical service. We recorded a number of data points including age, gender, race, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), and intubation status. We also collected data on a number of imaging findings such as mass effect, edema, intracranial hemorrhage, and skull fractures. Patients undergoing emergent nonneurosurgical intervention were excluded. RESULTS: Of the 373 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 116 (31.1%) underwent a neurosurgical procedure or died and were deemed appropriate for helicopter transport. The remaining 68.9% of patients survived their injuries without neurosurgical intervention and were deemed nonappropriate for helicopter transport. Multivariable logistic regression identified GCS 3-8 and/or presence of mass effect, edema, epidural hematoma (EDH), and open-depressed skull fracture as appropriate indications for helicopter transport. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients transported to our facility by helicopter survived their head injury without need for neurosurgical intervention. Only those patients meeting clinical (GCS 3-8) or radiographic (mass effect, edema, EDH, open-depressed skull fracture) criteria should be transported by air. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III (Diagnostic Study).

Home Visiting and the Health of Preterm Infants.

The results of home visiting programs which target medically fragile low-birth-weight preterm infants (LBWPT) have been inconsistent. We provided nurse/social worker home visits to families of LBWPT infants on a regular schedule. Teams were trained in approaches to improve the health and development of the infants. The completion of immunization series was sigmificantly higher and the infant mortality rates of the home visits childen were significanly lower compared to national and state rates. We used state Medicaid data and examined frequency of hospitalization, emergency department visits, routine and nonscheduled visits to primary care physician, and pharmacy use of the home-visited subjects compared with a propensity-matched group. The home-visited group had more routine and nonscheduled visits but no more hospitalizations or E.D. visits. Home visiting teams improved important markers of child health, including completed immunizations and mortality rate, perhaps by the careful monitoring of health status and assuring health care when needed.