“Who is the right patient?” Insights into decisions to transfer pediatric trauma patients
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Topic overview
Abstract
Objective
We aim to determine what variables may influence physician decision-making about transfer of pediatric patients from a Level III Trauma Center (L3TC) to a Pediatric Trauma Center (PTC).
Methods
Emergency L3TC physicians and PTC emergency physicians/TTLs were surveyed with clinical scenarios of children presenting to a L3TC with 5 injury parameters: age, hemodynamic status, GCS, intra-abdominal injury, femur/ pelvic fracture, and asked if the patient should be transferred to a PTC. Associations between parameters and physician demographics in the decision to transfer were examined.
Results
One hundred seven and 94 surveys were completed at L3TCs and PTCs, respectively. Parameters associated with decision to transfer: pelvic and GI tract injuries, GCS
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