Improving Trauma Care System of Korea lowering preventable mortality rate by not missing golden hour

Abstract

1. Introduction (Aims and Problem statement)

In Korea, the golden hour is not observed frequently, so the preventable mortality rate is much higher than advanced medical countries. This study finds solutions to reduce the preventable mortality rate. 

1. Method

The status of Korea’s trauma system is analyzed to find problems, and that of foreign countries is compared to find solutions. 

1. Findings

- Top Factors

1) People are not aware of severe trauma treatment’s value. 

2) Korea’s severe trauma system is unstable.

- Sub factors

1) As Korea's first aid education is an one-off thing, Korea's CPR rate is low.

2) Due to the lack of a system to pre-classify patients’ severity, patients often miss the proper timing of treatment and die while transferring between hospitals.

3) Because of the unsystematic network between trauma specialists and insufficiency of trauma surgeons, it takes a long time for patients to meet specialists.

1. Proposed solutions

- for Top Factors

1) The government should give incentives to hospitals with a high quality and proportion of severe trauma treatment to raise awareness. 

2) The trauma system can be stabilized by (1) establishing a central organization, “Korean Surgeons - Committee on Trauma(KSCT)”, (2) using traffic fines and partial tax for trauma centers’ operating expenses, and (3) conducting feedback programs such as VRC, TQIP, and PIPS for the sustainable system. 

- for Sub Factors

1) CPR education can be continued as adults by requiring CPR education when getting a driver’s license. 

2) To transport patients quickly, triage should be used before transfer.

3) 24-hours trauma teams should be deployed to reduce residence time.

1. Conclusion

The proposed solutions should be systematically implemented through cooperation between KSCT and the government. This meaningful study will reduce preventable mortality, benefit the economy, remove social burdens, and increase patients' trust.