| 1. |
- Khorram-Manesh, Amir, 1958, et al.
(author)
-
The implication of a translational triage tool in mass casualty incidents: part three: a multinational study, using validated patient cards.
- 2023
-
In: Scandinavian journal of trauma, resuscitation and emergency medicine. - 1757-7241. ; 31:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mass casualty incidents (MCI) pose significant challenges to existing resources, entailing multiagency collaboration. Triage is a critical component in the management of MCIs, but the lack of a universally accepted triage system can hinder collaboration and lead to preventable loss of life. This multinational study uses validated patient cards (cases) based on real MCIs to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel Translational Triage Tool (TTT) in primary triage assessment of mass casualty victims.Using established triage systems versus TTT, 163 participants (1575 times) triaged five patient cases. The outcomes were statistically compared.TTT demonstrated similar sensitivity to the Sieve primary triage method and higher sensitivity than the START primary triage system. However, the TTT algorithm had a lower specificity compared to Sieve and higher over-triage rates. Nevertheless, the TTT algorithm demonstrated several advantages due to its straightforward design, such as rapid assessment, without the need for additional instrumental interventions, enabling the engagement of non-medical personnel.The TTT algorithm is a promising and feasible primary triage tool for MCIs. The high number of over-triages potentially impacts resource allocation, but the absence of under-triages eliminates preventable deaths and enables the use of other personal resources. Further research involving larger participant samples, time efficiency assessments, and real-world scenarios is needed to fully assess the TTT algorithm's practicality and effectiveness in diverse multiagency and multinational contexts.
|
|
| 2. |
- Montán, Kristina Lennquist, et al.
(author)
-
A method for detailed determination of hospital surge capacity: a prerequisite for optimal preparedness for mass-casualty incidents
- 2022
-
In: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1863-9933 .- 1863-9941.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Defined goals for hospitals' ability to handle mass-casualty incidents (MCI) are a prerequisite for optimal planning as well as training, and also as base for quality assurance and improvement. This requires methods to test individual hospitals in sufficient detail to numerically determine surge capacity for different components of the hospitals. Few such methods have so far been available. The aim of the present study was with the use of a simulation model well proven and validated for training to determine capacity-limiting factors in a number of hospitals, identify how these factors were related to each other and also possible measures for improvement of capacity. Materials and methods As simulation tool was used the MACSIM (R) system, since many years used for training in the international MRMI courses and also successfully used in a pilot study of surge capacity in a major hospital. This study included 6 tests in three different hospitals, in some before and after re-organisation, and in some both during office- and non-office hours. Results The primary capacity-limiting factor in all hospitals was the capacity to handle severely injured patients (major trauma) in the emergency department. The load of such patients followed in all the tests a characteristic pattern with "peaks" corresponding to ambulances return after re-loading. Already the first peak exceeded the hospitals capacity for major trauma, and the following peaks caused waiting times for such patients leading to preventable mortality according to the patient-data provided by the system. This emphasises the need of an immediate and efficient coordination of the distribution of casualties between hospitals. The load on surgery came in all tests later, permitting either clearing of occupied theatres (office hours) or mobilising staff (non-office hours) sufficient for all casualties requiring immediate surgery. The final capacity-limiting factors in all tests was the access to intensive care, which also limited the capacity for surgery. On a scale 1-10, participating staff evaluated the accuracy of the methodology for test of surge capacity to MD 8 (IQR 2), for improvement of disaster plans to MD 9 (IQR 2) and for simultaneous training to MD 9 (IQR 3). Conclusions With a simulation system including patient data with a sufficient degree of detail, it was possible to identify and also numerically determine the critical capacity-limiting factors in the different phases of the hospital response to MCI, to serve as a base for planning, training, quality control and also necessary improvement to rise surge capacity of the individual hospital.
|
|
| 3. |
|
|
