New guidelines may reduce trauma center costs

National trauma practice management guidelines were presented to the American Trauma Society conference in May by a group of surgeons centered at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA. Using evidence-based research, they’re intended to improve the quality of care and improve cost efficiency.

The first four protocols deal with management of blunt cardiac injury, identification of cervical spine injuries, management of penetrating colon injuries, and screening and treatment of venothromboembolic disorders. The complete guidelines can be found in the Journal of Trauma later this year.