Publications by authors named "R C Mackersie"
Background: We sought to quantify the association between state trauma funding and (1) in-hospital mortality and (2) transfers of injured patients.
Methods: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study of states with publicly available trauma funding data. We analyzed in-hospital mortality using linked data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), American Hospital Association (AHA) Annual Survey, and these State Department of Public Health trauma funding data.
Background: State guidelines for re-triage, or emergency inter-facility transfer, have never been characterized across the United States.
Methods: All 50 states' Department of Health and/or Trauma System websites were reviewed for publicly available re-triage guidelines within their rules and regulations. Communication was made via phone or email to state agencies or trauma advisory committees to obtain or confirm the absence of guidelines where public data was unavailable.
Background: Heterogeneity in trauma center designation and injury volume offer possible explanations for inconsistencies in pediatric trauma center designation's association with lower mortality among children. We hypothesized that rigorous trauma center verification, regardless of volume, would be associated with lower firearm injury-associated mortality in children.
Study Design: This retrospective cohort study leveraged the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development patient discharge data.
Objective: quantify geographic disparities in sub-optimal re-triage of seriously injured patients in California.
Summary Of Background Data: Re-triage is the emergent transfer of seriously injured patients from the emergency departments of non-trauma and low-level trauma centers to, ideally, high-level trauma centers. Some patients are re-triaged to a second non-trauma or low-level trauma center (sub-optimal) instead of a high-level trauma center (optimal).