Challenges developing evidence-based algorithms for the trauma reception and resuscitation project.

A project based at the Alfred Emergency and Trauma Centre in Melbourne, Australia aimed to standardise trauma resuscitation, documentation and interventions by developing best practice algorithms. The primary study objective was to demonstrate a reduction in management errors using a real-time computer based algorithm (the study group) compared to the control group in an open randomised controlled interventional study. A baseline control group was also used for comparison with usual (current) practice.

Development and validation of a complementary map to enhance the existing 1998 to 2008 Abbreviated Injury Scale map.

Introduction: Many trauma registries have used the Abbreviated Injury Scale 1990 Revision Update 98 (AIS98) to classify injuries. In the current AIS version (Abbreviated Injury Scale 2005 Update 2008 - AIS08), injury classification and specificity differ substantially from AIS98, and the mapping tools provided in the AIS08 dictionary are incomplete. As a result, data from different AIS versions cannot currently be compared.

Double coding and mapping using Abbreviated Injury Scale 1998 and 2005: identifying issues for trauma data.

Introduction: The 2005 version of the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS05) potentially represents a significant change in injury spectrum classification, due to a substantial increase in the codeset size and alterations to the agreed severity of many injuries compared to the previous version (AIS98). Whilst many trauma registries around the world are moving to adopt AIS05 or its 2008 update (AIS08), its effect on patient classification in existing registries, and the optimum method of comparing existing data collections with new AIS05 collections are unknown. The present study aimed to assess the potential impact of adopting the AIS05 codeset in an established trauma system, and to identify issues associated with this change.

Management of blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries: Experience at the Alfred hospital.

Background: The incidence of blunt bowel and mesenteric injury (BBMI) has increased recently in blunt abdominal trauma, possibly due to an increasing number of high-speed motor accidents and the use of seat belts.

Objective: Our aim was to identify the factors determining the time of surgical intervention and how they affect the outcome of the patient with BBMI. This was achieved by reviewing our experience as a major Victorian trauma service in the management of bowel and mesenteric injuries and comparing this to the experiences reported in the literature.