Impact of a multifunctional image-guided therapy suite on emergency multiple trauma care

Abstract

Background: The multifunctional image-guided therapy suite (MIGTS), a combined diagnostic and operating theatre, is currently the subject of considerable interest. This study investigated the effect of instituting a MIGTS on the emergency treatment of multiply injured patients. Methods: This prospective controlled intervention study (MIGTS versus conventional treatment) included consecutive multiply injured trauma patients (Injury Severity Score of 16 or more) admitted between February 2003 and April 2005 to a university hospital. Main outcome measures were time to computed tomography (CT) and number of in-hospital transfers. Results: A total of 168 patients were enrolled, 87 in theMIGTS and 81 in the control group. On average, CT was started at least 13 min sooner in the MIGTS group (P < 0•001), and these patients underwent fewer within-hospital transfers before arrival in the intensive care unit (median 2 versus 4 for controls; odds ratio -2•92, P < 0•001). Team members indicated increased satisfaction with the quality of the MIGTS procedure over the course of the study (P = 0•009). Thirty-day mortality rate (17 per cent for MIGTS versus 22 per cent for controls; P = 0•420) and long-term outcome did not differ between the two groups. Conclusion: Implementation of a MIGTS in the emergency treatment of multiple trauma significantly accelerated the procedure and reduced the number of in-hospital transports. Registration number: NCT0072213 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov). Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by JohnWiley & Sons Ltd.