title: Trauma systems and emergency medicine.
abstract: The impact of trauma is a major public health challenge which is likely to escalate in the early 21st century. A systematic approach to this problem is required. This review explains the conceptual framework that defines a trauma system, gives a brief historical perspective and describes some of the essential elements of the system which should make a difference to patient outcome. Emergency physicians are well placed to play a leading role in the development and implementation of trauma systems.
authors.affiliation: Accident and Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Trauma and Emergency Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. rainer1091@cuhk.edu.hk
authors.forename: Timothy H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Rainer
authors.forename: Pieter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: De Villiers Smit
mesh_terms: D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States