Challenges and Opportunities in Developing a Comprehensive, Rural, Trauma-Care Program: Experiences from Nepal.

Abstract

Traumatic injury remains a significant public health problem, with the burden highest in low-middle income countries (LMICs) and rural areas.1,2 The far-western region of Nepal, which has the lowest human development index in the country, has a high burden of traumatic injuries.3-5 One hospital in the far-western district of Achham, Bayalpata Hospital, cares for the majority of patients with traumatic injuries - most of whom arrive without any pre-hospital care. The absence of a professionalized pre-hospital program, such as an established Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system, necessitates creative strategies to address this gap.6,7 In this context, implementing a trauma-training program for community health responders (CHRs) offers a promising solution, leveraging local resources to improve early-stage trauma care.