(August 18, 2008 - Insidermedicine) Elderly trauma patients are less likely to be taken to a trauma center than younger patients, according to research published in the Archives of Surgery.

According to the Society for Critical Care Medicine, a hospital providing level I critical care should have:

•    Intensive care units (ICUs) that provide comprehensive care for a wide range of disorders.

•    The continuous availability of sophisticated equipment, specialized nurses, and physicians with critical care training.

•    Comprehensive support services including pharmacy services, respiratory therapy, nutritional services, pastoral care, and social services.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins analyzed ten years of data from the Maryland Ambulance Information System, looking at the relationship between the age of trauma patients and their management. They also surveyed 166 EMS and trauma center personnel.

Being a trauma patient over the age of 65 was associated with a 52% reduced likelihood of being transported to a trauma center. The age bias was first evident at age 50 and increased again at age 70. EMS and trauma personnel most frequently offered inadequate training for managing elderly patients, unfamiliarity with protocol, and possible age bias as reasons for these findings.

Today's research highlights the need to educate EMS and medical personnel about the prognosis of elderly trauma patients, as they can return to productive lives with appropriate care.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.