Transfer of facially injured road trauma victims and its impact on treatment.

BACKGROUND

Road trauma is a common cause of severe facial injuries. The aim of the present study is to define patients involved, and determine the effect of their geographical origin on treatment and follow up.

METHODS

All patients over 14 years of age suffering facial injuries caused by road trauma presenting to the two study hospitals from 1994 to 1999 were identified and details were collected on demographic details and treatment.

RESULTS

Four hundred and nine patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority required hospital transfer. Young men were the most frequently injured group of patients. Patients from peripheral regions had significant delays in transfer and treatment. They were made fewer outpatient appointments but attended at the same frequency as patients from the immediate region of the study hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

To minimize delays the process of patient transfer needs to be streamlined and education of staff in peripheral hospitals undertaken regarding facial injuries.