RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The value of autopsy findings has been questioned in peer review at mature trauma centers. We sought to determine the impact of autopsy data on the peer-review process. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. Data analyzed included mortality type (immediate/dead on arrival [DOA]; early [< or =48 hours]; late [>48 hours]), Injury Severity Scale (ISS) score, Trauma and Injury Severity Score-generated probability of survival (PS), peer-review judgment of preventability, and findings at autopsy. Deaths were assigned to a category; then pre- and postautopsy ISS score, PS, and outcomes of the peer- review process (percent nonpreventable [%NP]) were compared. Paired t tests (alpha = 0.05) were performed to determine whether changes in ISS score and PS were statistically significant. All descriptive and inferential analyses were based on cases with pre- and postautopsy data for the relevant variables. RESULTS: Of the 170 deaths, 126 deaths had an autopsy performed (74.1%) and 112 autopsy reports were available (89.9%). Autopsy data resulted in statistically significant changes in ISS score for each mortality category and in PS for the immediate/DOA and early categories. There were also autopsy- related changes in peer-review outcomes for immediate/DOA and late deaths but not for early deaths. The proportion of overall agreement between pre- and postautopsy outcomes for the immediate/DOA category was 94.3% (50/53); three deaths initially deemed NP were reclassified as potentially preventable (PP) after autopsy. Overall agreement for the late category was 87% (20/23); one PP was reclassified as NP and two NPs were reclassified as PP. CONCLUSION: Autopsy data enhanced peer review in immediate/DOA and late death after injury but did not impact peer review in early deaths. Autopsy data were most important to the analysis of late deaths. Targeting autopsy performance to these mortality categories is an effective strategy for centers with constrained access to autopsy data.
Asunto(s)
Autopsia/estadística & datos numéricos , Mortalidad Hospitalaria , Evaluación de Resultado en la Atención de Salud/estadística & datos numéricos , Revisión por Expertos de la Atención de Salud , Centros Traumatológicos/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Ohio , Estudios Retrospectivos , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Análisis de Supervivencia , Heridas y Lesiones/mortalidadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Traumatic injuries in older patients are complex and have significant impact on the individual, their family, and trauma centers. We hypothesized that greater attention to the timely identification and comprehensive management of comorbid conditions would improve outcomes in the care of the older injured patient. METHODS: This was a prospective, descriptive study of all patients 65 years of age and older admitted to the trauma service. Each elder was seen by a specialist in geriatrics ideally within 24 hours of admission to the trauma service. A standardized consult was developed for the electronic medical record and utilized in every case. Data were obtained from the trauma registry to characterize the nature of injury, injury severity, and outcome. Data from the geriatric consult were compiled to determine the impact of age- associated conditions on the outcome. RESULTS: There were 285 injured patients, aged 65 years and older. Of these, 114 were seen in consultation. Age range was 65 to 96 years, with an average of 77.7 years. Injury Severity Score range was 3 to 75, with an average of 9.3. There were an equal number of male and female patients. Falls and motor vehicle collisions predominated. Geriatricians identified the following: 14% of patients presented with alcohol issues; 36% of patients exhibited signs of delirium; and 46% of patients presented with new medical conditions. Geriatricians assisted with advanced care planning in 15% of cases; disposition decisions to promote function in 49%; made medication changes in 65%; decreased inappropriate medications in 20%; and assisted with pain management in 42%. Trauma surgeons followed one or more recommendations in 91%. CONCLUSION: Outcomes of older patients can be improved through geriatricians' expertise by addressing new and existing medical issues and reducing hospital-acquired complications such as functional decline, falls, delirium, and death.