Enhancing patient safety in trauma: Understanding adverse events, assessment tools, and the role of trauma video review

Am J Surg. 2024 Aug:234:74-79. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2024.04.027. Epub 2024 Apr 27.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate adverse events (AEs) in trauma resuscitation, evaluate contributing factors, and assess methods, such as trauma video review (TVR), to mitigate AEs.

Background: Trauma remains a leading cause of global mortality and morbidity, necessitating effective trauma care. Despite progress, AEs during trauma resuscitation persist, impacting patient outcomes and the healthcare system. Identifying and analyzing AEs and their determinants are crucial for improving trauma care.

Methods: This narrative review explored the definition, identification, and assessment of AEs associated with trauma resuscitation within the trauma system. It includes various studies and assessment tools such as STAT Taxonomy and T-NOTECHs. Additionally, it assessed the role of TVR in detecting AEs and strategies to enhance patient safety.

Conclusion: Integrated with standardized tools, TVR shows promise for identifying AEs. Challenges include ensuring reporting consistency and integrating approaches into existing protocols. Future research should prioritize linking trauma team performance to patient outcomes, and develop sustainable TVR programs to enhance patient safety.

Keywords: Adverse events; Patient safety; Review; Trauma; Trauma video review.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Medical Errors / prevention & control
  • Patient Safety*
  • Resuscitation* / methods
  • Trauma Centers
  • Video Recording*
  • Wounds and Injuries* / therapy