Short/Rapid Fire Oral Presentation ANZTS Trauma 2024 Conference

Optimal methods of delivering and evaluating follow-up care for major trauma patients: A Delphi study (21541)

Elizabeth Wake 1 2 , Jamie Ranse 3 4 5 , Andrea P Marshall 3 6 7
  1. Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, QLD, Australia
  2. School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  3. Menzies Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  4. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  5. Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
  6. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  7. Nursing, Midwifery Education and Research Unit, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Southport, Queensland, Australia

Introduction 

The provision of trauma follow-up care for patients affected by serious traumatic injury has been found to be varied with regard to it is delivered, why, how and when it is delivered.  Coupled with an absence of evaluation guidelines, this leaves a gap in the current evidence base.

 

Methods

This Delphi survey was undertaken with trauma clinicians to identify a core set of components in relation to delivering optimal follow-up care and evaluation measures. Two rounds of the Delphi survey were undertaken with participants rating items using a 7-point Likert scale for their level of agreement and level of importance. Items with 70% consensus (proportion of agree and strongly agree responses) for both agreement and importance were retained.

 

Results

29 participants completed both rounds. From the 65 initial items, 47 items achieved consensus: 40 in round one and 5 in round two. Participants agreed on items related to operational elements, information flow, and why follow-up should be provided. Items related to when follow-up care should occur were in complete disagreement; how care should be provided, by who and to whom also lacked consensus.

 

Conclusion

The findings provide the first insight into what the optimal components of delivering and evaluating trauma follow-up care should consist of for patients and families who have experienced serious injury. Importantly, the survey identified differences of opinions within the trauma clinician community. These results can help to provide information into establishing evidence-based guidance in this area and highlights where further work is required.