International Association for Trauma Surgery and Intensive Care (IATSIC) Presidential Address: Improving Trauma Care Globally: How is IATSIC Doing?

Abstract

IATSIC is the foremost professional society addressing trauma care globally. How is it doing in meeting the needs of most injured patients? The vast majority (65 %) of trauma deaths occur in the poorer half of the world (low-income and lower-middle-income countries), where injury rates are the highest. IATSIC has accomplished a tremendous amount and has much to be proud of. However, most of its work thus far has been concentrated in the wealthier half of the world (upper-middle-income and high-income countries). For example, most of the speakers on IATSIC’s biannual program are from upper-middle-income and high-income countries and most of IATSIC’s courses are conducted in these countries. IATSIC’s trauma systems publications have been utilized in countries at all economic levels (including many low-income and lower middle-income countries), but much more needs to be done. IATSIC’S foundation is its membership. Only 5 % of our members come from the poorer half of the world. In order to make more of a difference for the majority of injured people in the world, IATSIC needs to expand its reach to where they live. Major priorities are: (1) increase representation from low- and lower middle-income countries in our scientific program; (2) disseminate of our courses more widely; (3) increase utilization of our trauma system publications, especially for higher yield activities, such as longitudinal monitoring of trauma systems, implementation in health policy, and developing curricula for trauma care in medical schools and in post-graduate training; and (4) especially, recruit new members from low- and lower-middle-income countries.