Systems saving lives: a structured review of trauma systems and their impact on mortality

Background For Canadians under the age of 45, injury is the leading cause of death and remains the leading cause of potential years of life lost for those up to the age of 70. Coordination of health services, particularly trauma systems, has the potential to improve treatment and management of the victims. Some research has suggested that trauma systems are associated with a reduction in preventable deaths for injured patients, a reduction in gross mortality, and a reduction in motor vehicle-collision mortality. With the support for the regionalisation of trauma services growing information regarding the effectiveness of trauma systems themselves is key. Objective To conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of trauma systems in reducing mortality. Methods We will use the method outlined by the Cochrane Collaboration, and conduct a systematic review of the literature using the following key words: Trauma systems, mortality and injury. To date, 1665 potential articles have been identified including 200 review articles. Articles are currently being screened and will be reviewed when they include relevant evidence regarding traumas systems and mortality for both the adult and paediatric populations. Relevance This work will provide information to inform policies related to the development and maintenance of trauma systems.