Retrospective Assessment of Referral of a Major Trauma Patient

The aim of this study is to find out whether major trauma patients from the Val d'Oise are referred to the appropriate trauma centre for their care and to assess the quality of triage within the Val d'Oise department.

In France, the number of major trauma is estimated at between 15,000 and 20,000 per year. It is the leading cause of death in patients under the age of 40, and is a significant source of long-term dependency. Mortality from severe trauma varies depending on the region and the circumstances of the accident. Effective initial care and referral to specialist trauma centres are crucial to improving survival. Access to these centres must be guaranteed throughout France. Trauma centres play a central role in the management of serious trauma patients. They are classified by level, from level I to level III. The triage process aims to direct the patient to the trauma centre with the appropriate level of care. The challenge is to send the "right patient to the right place at the right time". Over-triage and under-triage are two critical concepts in the management of trauma patients. Over-triage (patients considered to be more seriously injured than they really are) leads to excessive consumption of resources and increases waiting times for patients who really need a level I or II trauma centre. Under-triage (patients considered to be less seriously injured than they really are), is characterised by patients being referred to a trauma centre that is insufficiently equipped for their needs, compromises their chances of survival and recovery. In both cases, the loss of chance for the patient is real. The aim of this study is to find out whether major trauma patients from the Val d'Oise are referred to the appropriate trauma centre for their care, and to assess the quality of triage within the Val d'Oise department.