Citation

Goosen J, Bowley DMG, Degiannis E, Plani F. Injury 2003; 34(9): 704-708.

Affiliation

Trauma Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12951297

Abstract

AIM: To provide an overview of the provision of trauma care in South Africa, a middle income country emerging into a democratic state. METHODS: Literature review. CONCLUSIONS: South Africa is gripped by an almost hidden epidemic of intentional and non-intentional injury, largely driven by alcohol and substance abuse, against a background of poverty and rapid urbanisation. Gross inequities exist in the provision of trauma care. Access to pre-hospital care and overloading of tertiary facilities are the major inefficiencies to be addressed. The burden of disease due to trauma presents unique opportunities for reconstruction and clinical research.

Language: en