title: The state of trauma care in Louisiana--impediments and opportunities: a survey of the state's surgeons.
abstract: Trauma is the leading cause of death in persons under 45 years of age. A looming physician shortage, comparatively high rates of injury in the state, and the high cost of caring for the injured has raised the question of how to best deal with this problem in Louisiana. A 37-question survey was sent to all 324 Louisiana members of the American College of Surgeons. The survey assessed characteristics of surgeons, the hospitals and their resources, and perceived impediments to trauma care. Seventy-three percent of responders provide trauma coverage to their hospitals. Ninety percent of hospitals have a blood bank; only 27.4% had 24-hour operating room availability. Most hospitals had adequate subspecialty availability. Major deterrents to trauma coverage that were identified were no control of schedule, no repayment for care, and interruption of a surgeon's elective schedule. Eighty-six percent of responders agreed the state should implement a statewide network. More than 90% said tertiary trauma centers should be in New Orleans, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge to provide trauma care. Louisiana has a surgical workforce trained and capable of trauma care. Impediments to surgeon involvement revolve upon reimbursement and interruption of elective practice. An organized trauma system will help triage critically ill patients to appropriate trauma centers for improved care by appropriate surgeons.
authors.affiliation: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans Department of Surgery, USA.
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Timmer
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fahr
authors.forename: Lance
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stuke
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Duchesne
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Meade
authors.forename: Norman
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: McSwain
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marr
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hunt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008145:Louisiana; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014194:Traumatology / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy*