@article{ref1,
title="Survival among injured geriatric patients during construction of a statewide trauma system",
journal="Journal of trauma",
year="2001",
author="Jurkovich, Gregory J. and Brand, D. M. and Mullins, R. J. and Cahn, R. M. and Mann, N. C.",
volume="50",
number="6",
pages="1111-1116",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Patient outcomes are presumed to vary during early implementation of a trauma system because of fluctuations in processes of care. This study estimates risk-adjusted survival for injured geriatric patients during implementation of the Washington State trauma system. METHODS: A presystem (1988-1992) versus early construction phase (1993-1995) retrospective cohort analysis of hospitalized geriatric injured patients in Washington State was conducted. Hospital data were cross-linked to death certificates, providing patient follow-up. A Cox proportional hazards model assessed survival to 60 days from hospital admission. RESULTS: A total of 77,136 geriatric patients were assessed. No difference in survival was observed (before vs. after) for all geriatric injured patients. However, among severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score > 15), survival during the implementation phase increased by 5.1% compared with patients admitted during the presystem years (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates improved survival for seriously injured geriatric trauma patients during construction of the Washington State trauma system.",
language="",
issn="0022-5282",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}