Networking between hospitals.

Abstract

Not all hospitals have the resources to manage trauma patients, which is why many countries have introduced trauma systems to connect hospitals within specific regions. When definitive care cannot be provided at a hospital, the patient should be transferred to the closest appropriate facility with the necessary resources and capabilities. Telecommunication is a critical tool for data exchange (e.g., imaging) and multidisciplinary consultations. Ideally, a unified telecommunication system should be implemented across all hospitals in a network, with the long-term goal of nationwide or even European-level standardisation. While criteria for onward transfer vary slightly between trauma systems across countries, they can be adapted to meet the needs of any healthcare system. Decisions regarding patient transfer should be based on objective, prospectively agreed criteria. In addition, a common European trauma registry is essential to evaluate quality of care.