The role and significance of research in a specialized trauma center.

Compared with nonspecialized hospitals, specialized trauma centers on university or research institute campuses are distinguished by lower mortality, morbidity, and mean hospital stay because of the permanent influence research has on the results of clinical practice. Close collaboration between researchers and clinicians in St Petersburgh Trauma Shock Center helped to develop medical knowledge and technology in the initial prognostic evaluation of the injured patient in shock, to improve surgical protocols in relation to prognosis, and to develop treatment for endotoxemia and sepsis.