title: The trauma survivors network: Survive. Connect. Rebuild.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite substantial improvements in trauma care, severe injuries often result in significant long-term consequences for otherwise young, healthy individuals. Providing patient-centered care and extensive psychosocial support services is difficult for trauma centers.
  
  
  METHODS
  In collaboration with researchers and clinicians, the American Trauma Society has developed the Trauma Survivors Network, a program incorporating self-management, peer support, timely access to information, and online social networking.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Individually, these components have been proven effective in improving outcomes and quality of life and are widely used in nontrauma settings. To date, 70 representatives from 30 trauma centers have participated in training sessions conducted by the American Trauma Society.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Trauma Survivors Network provides a critical component of trauma care that can be adapted for local needs throughout the country. Implementation of these services is a necessary step in the development of comprehensive trauma systems that not only save lives but also reduce long-term disability among survivors.
authors.affiliation: Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
authors.forename: Anna N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Bradford
authors.forename: Renan C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Castillo
authors.forename: Anthony R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Carlini
authors.forename: Stephen T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Wegener
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Teter
authors.forename: Ellen J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Mackenzie
mesh_terms: D022126:Access to Information; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D010379:Peer Group; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000523:psychology*