Using an expert panel and a structured implicit review format, a prospective study of all deaths due to injury occurring in 24 rural Michigan counties was conducted to determine the proposition of preventable deaths and the frequency and nature of inappropriate medical care associated with those deaths. One hundred and fifty-five cases were studied: 20 (12.9%) were determined to be definitely preventable or possibly preventable (DP/PP). Among DP/PP deaths, death was most likely to occur from hemorrhage: inappropriate care most frequently was related to fluid/blood replacement and occurred in the Emergency Department (ED). The study suggests that only a relatively small percentage of rural rural trauma fatalities may survive if provided better medical care. (A)
Samenvatting