A National Analysis of the Economic Impact Associated With Fatal Injuries and Trauma Centers' Distribution

Introduction

This study aims to examine the epidemiological and economic impact of trauma centers’ distribution at the national level to achieve more equitable and cost-effective access to quality trauma care.

Methods

A cross-sectional study evaluating the epidemiological and economic impact of trauma centers’ distribution in the United States from 2018 to 2022, using the Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System, as well as state-level income data obtained from the United States Census Bureau. Study outcomes included the total cost of traumatic injuries and fatalities, associated personal income loss, state tax revenue loss, years of potential life lost (YPLL), and potential cost savings from increased access to advanced trauma care.

Results

The Midwest had the highest number of level I and II trauma centers, while the South had the lowest. Economic analysis showed that regions with higher trauma center density had lower per capita medical and life loss costs. Specifically, the Northeast had the lowest burden of fatal injuries and YPLL, while the South had the highest, associated with the lowest trauma center density. Within the South region, the lowest distribution of trauma centers was associated with the highest amount of lost state income tax revenue.

Conclusions

Regions with higher access to advanced trauma care were associated with lower costs of fatal injuries, including reduced personal income loss, state tax revenue loss, and YPLL, than regions with lower access. These findings underscore the economic and public health benefits of optimizing trauma center allocation, particularly in underserved regions.