STRUCTURE AND PROCESS COMPONENTS OF TRAUMA CARE SERVICES IN ISRAELI ACUTE-CARE HOSPITALS

In recent years a vigorous effort has been made to improve primary tra uma care in Israel. The Ministry of Health and other authorities have invested in new facilities in various hospitals which are engaged ill trauma care. A survey was conducted in order to identify deficiencies in organization, personnel and equipment required to provide optimal t rauma care. A cross-country survey was conducted by using a questionna ire that dealt with structure and process components of trauma care. T he questionnaire seas submitted to medical directors of emergency depa rtments in all 24 acute-care hospitals in Israel. Additional informati on was obtained by a telephone poll when required. inter-hospital vari ation concerning structure of trauma services, Protocols and qualifica tion of manpower responsible for primary care of the injured was found . The conclusions are that an increase in homogeneity in the field of trauma care is still needed. A continuous effort should be made in ord er to structurally and functionally further develop independent trauma units in all hospitals ill Israel. Methods should be found to encoura ge young physicians to enter the field of trauma care. The establishme nt of a nationwide trauma registry system will undoubtedly contribute to future improvement in the initial care of the injured in Israel. (C ) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.