Preventable trauma deaths in rural Michigan

Maio, Ronald F.; Burney, Richard E.; Gregor, Mary Ann; Baranski, Mark; Welch, Kathleen B.; Rothman, Edward D.

Affiliations

¹Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

²Michigan Trauma Coalition, East Lansing, Michigan

³Center for Statistical Consultation and Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Abstract

Using an expert panel and a structured implicit review format, we conducted a prospective study of all deaths due to injury occurring in 24 rural Michigan counties to determine the proportion of preventable deaths and the frequency and nature of inappropriate medical care associated with those deaths. One hundred and fifty-five cases were studied: 20 (12.9%) were determined to be definitely preventable or possibly preventable (DP/PP). Among DP/PP deaths, death was most likely to occur from hemorrhage; inappropriate care most frequently was related to fluid/blood replacement and occurred in the ED. Our study suggests that only a relatively small percentage of rural trauma fatalities may survive if provided better medical care.

Cited Works (1)

Year	Entry
1971	Perrine MW, Waller JA, Harris LS. Alcohol and Highway Safety: Behavioral and Medical Aspects. Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; September 1971. NHTSA Technical Report DOT HS 800 599.