Poster Presentation ANZTS Trauma 2024 Conference

Optimising the Gold Coast University Hospital Trauma Activation System: a mixed-methods implementation and evaluation study. (21396)

Elizabeth Wake 1 2 , Jessica Forbes 1 2 3 , Andrea Marshall 4 5 , Jamie Ranse 5 , Gerben Keijzers 3 6 , Adam Rolley 7 , Melissa Harris 1 , Shahera Banu 8 , Shane George 3 9 , Martin Wullschleger 1 2 , David Bell 1 , Abbie McPaul 1 3
  1. Trauma Service , Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  2. School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University , Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  3. Emergency Department, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  4. Nursing and Midwifery Education and Research, Gold Coast hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  5. Menzies Health Institute , Griffith University , Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  6. Bond University , Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  7. Queensland Ambulance , Brisbane , Queensland, Australia
  8. Jamieson Trauma Insitute , Metro North Hospital and Health Service , Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  9. Paediatric Critical Care, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Introduction:
A hospitals’ trauma activation system (TAS) is a systemic response to an incoming patient recognised as having serious traumatic injuries and is designed to facilitate the delivery of timely and safe trauma care. An optimal TAS can ensure appropriate resource allocation and minimise over/under triage, both of which can impact patient safety.

The Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) two-tier TAS was implemented in 2014. A recent audit identified an increasing trend in over triage of trauma patients; coupled with significantly increased emergency presentations, therefore, a re-evaluation of the current TAS is required.

Study Aim:
To review, develop, implement, and evaluate the TAS at GCUH.

Methods: 
An exploratory, sequential multi-methods approach will be used. The process of experience-based co-design, working with all end-user clinicians, will be used in the three individual but interconnected phases using both qualitative and quantitative methodology. The study is underpinned by the Knowledge-to-Action framework through which barriers and facilitators are assessed (Phase 1), tailored interventions (Phase 2) and interventions are implemented and evaluated (Phase 3).

Outcomes:
The results of this study will generate translatable outcomes that will have significant patient safety and health economic benefits. Developing and applying context-specific TAS will have a direct impact on patient safety and appropriate health service resource allocation.

Identifying and minimising under triage will ensure delivery of high-quality care for a vulnerable patient group, subsequently improving health outcomes and system performance.

The co-design approach will allow for broader research learning outside the team and provide a feasible framework for those wishing to undertake similar projects.