Index
What
is Trauma
What is Trauma Systems
The Vision
Executive Summary
Introduction
Comprehensive
Trauma Care System: Fundamental Components of Trauma Care
Comprehensive Trauma
Care System: Key Infrastructure Elements
Conclusion
Glossary
References
Appendices |
Personnel shortages are rampant throughout the health care system in
the United States. This problem is particularly acute in the field of
trauma care, whether it is the availability of nurses and physicians,
or adequate numbers of health care providers and pre-hospital volunteers
in the field, especially in rural areas.
Many factors contribute to the shortage of trauma care professionals.
Funding for graduate medical education has been decreasing. There are
few financial incentives for pursuing a specialty that frequently involves
night shift work. Standards for EMS providers are not consistent across
the country, and volunteer recruitment and retention is a constant challenge.
And reimbursement problems are driving nurses to other professions and
doctors into other specialties.
- Professional resources in the system will be patient focused, team-oriented
and physician led.
- New categories of providers and the use of physician extenders will
address the need for additional resources.
- Creative opportunities for recruitment and retention of personnel
will be explored.
- Reimbursement for all types of providers will be appropriate
and sufficient so as to encourage participation in trauma care.
- Incentives for attracting trauma specialization, including
addressing the burden of liability, will be explored.
- Ongoing professional education opportunities will be available and
accessible.
- Volunteers will supplement career resources and
will be enlisted to promote injury prevention as well as deliver
care.
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