An autopsy method for evaluating trauma care.

An autopsy method for evaluating trauma care is described, which records patient age, time interval from hospital arrival to death, whether operation was performed, and cause of death. The technique is inexpensive, can be performed rapidly by a small number of examiners, and utilizes data sources that are a matter of public record. The method has proven to be valuable in evaluating trauma care in Orange County and we feel it may have widespread applicability.