Trauma Connect Clinic: Continuing the trauma case management model for patients affected by traumatic injuries: A quality improvement initiative.

Abstract

Background: A case-management model of care is frequently used in acute-care settings for patients with major traumatic injuries; however, its application to trauma follow-up care after hospital discharge remains unclear.

Aim: To describe the services provided by the Trauma Connect Clinic (TCC): a NP- led case management model, in trauma follow-up care.

Methods: An exploratory descriptive study design was used. Data collected included patient and injury characteristics, clinic activities, attendance rates, referral patterns and complications.

Results: Three-hundred and twenty-four TCC appointments were scheduled for 194 patients (n = 302) with an attendance rate of 93% (n = 302). Ongoing health issues included pain (n = 22, 37%), thrombotic events (n = 8, 13%) and infection (n = 7, 12%). Clinic activity included 77 referrals to the wider MDT (n = 77), radiology reviews (n = 225) and 39 prescribing events, consisting mainly of analgesia.

Conclusion: A case management model can successfully deliver trauma follow-up care and efficiently use limited resources. Key elements involve careful assessment and management of patients' physical and emotional needs. Evaluation of longer-term outcomes of this model of care in trauma settings is required.