Evaluating the change in patterns of traumatic injury in the setting of pandemic and social distancing restrictions: An analysis of a level 1 trauma center.
Publication/Presentation Date
7-1-2022
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Social distancing measures and quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to reported changes in traumatic injury patterns. We set to examine the effects of these restrictive guidelines in our trauma center.
METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of all patients evaluated for traumatic injuries at a Level 1 trauma center during two time periods: March-June 2020 (COVID) and March-June 2019 (Pre-COVID).
RESULTS: Overall trauma volume did not differ significantly between the two time periods. Changes seen during COVID included increases in penetrating injuries (12.5% vs 6.7%, p < 0.001), particularly those due to firearms (7.5% vs 3.7%, p < 0.001). Hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and days on the ventilator remained consistent between the two groups. Trends toward increased injuries in the home and non-accidental trauma were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: Traumatic injury patterns have changed as a result of social distancing in both the adult and pediatric trauma populations. Analyzing the effects of social distancing on trauma can lead to a better development of preventive strategies.
Volume
224
Issue
1 Pt A
First Page
120
Last Page
124
ISSN
1879-1883
Published In/Presented At
Ng, G., Castro, C. M., Hamdan, M., Salazar, H., Joseph, S., Thakur, B., Nemir, S., & Tyroch, A. (2022). Evaluating the change in patterns of traumatic injury in the setting of pandemic and social distancing restrictions: An analysis of a level 1 trauma center. American journal of surgery, 224(1 Pt A), 120–124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.03.033
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
35400529
Department(s)
Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery Residents, Fellows and Residents
Document Type
Article