The impact of COVID-19 nationwide control measures on trauma workload at a regional trauma center

Abstract

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the control of movement and diversion of medical resources in many countries. This affects the provision of care to critically injured patients. Methods We analyzed data from the trauma registry of a regional trauma center in Singapore, looking at patient volume and the pattern of injuries over a 3-month period. This was compared with the same period in the preceding 2 years. Results A total of 93 patients were admitted during this period, compared with 111 in 2019 and 118 in 2018, a drop of 15% to 20%. The proportion of severely injured patients and the mechanism of injury were largely unchanged. Conclusion Although there was a minor decrease in the absolute number of patients, the severity and pattern of injuries remained unchanged. Planners should consider this when planning for the diversion of medical and nursing resources.