Benefits of trauma verification

Preparation for a Formal or Consultative Trauma Verification visit has been described by the institutions undergoing verification as highly productive. It provides an opportunity to critically evaluate the structure, staffing and resources within the institution and brings together the many areas of the hospital involved in management of trauma patients. The trauma verification process enables institutions to acknowledge their commitment to the provision of care for the seriously injured patient. 

Participation as site review team members by experienced senior trauma clinicians (medical and nursing) has permitted an exchange of ideas and appreciation for solutions to shared challenges. 

Published evidence which supports the benefits of Trauma Verification:

• Balogh ZJ. Trauma verification: for the trauma centre or for the trauma system? ANZ J Surg 2014;84:499-501. doi.org/10.1111/ans.12573
• Maggio PM, Brundage SI, Hernandez-Boussard T, Spain DA. Commitment to COT verification improves patient outcomes and financial performance. J Trauma 2009;67:190-195. DOI: 10.1097/TA.0b013e3181a51b2f
• Piontek FA, Coscia R, Marselle CS, Korn RL, Zarling EJ. Impact of American College of Surgeons verification on trauma outcomes. J Trauma 2003;54:1041-1047. DOI: 10.1097/01.TA.0000061107.55798.31

Reports from trauma directors regarding the impact of verification have been very positive. The following comments from trauma directors are testimony to the value of trauma verification:

"Attainment of formal Level I Verification status is an endorsement of who we are and what we are trying to achieve for our patients."

"Verification highlighted to hospital management the quality of work done by all those involved in the care of the multi-injured patient"

"Thirty five weaknesses were identified in our major trauma service, most of which have since been corrected. Verification has been the single most helpful and practical exercise I have undertaken in my experience in trauma. It is the most effective tool to improve and upgrade a trauma service - both in terms of the relatively low cost to the hospital and as a practical guide to problem solving"

"The verification process was hard work, but we thoroughly enjoyed the two visits and got so much out of it to improve our Trauma Service, the trauma system and most of all, to ensure better care for our patients and their families."

"Over the past 10 years we have implemented over 96 percent of the requirements of the Model Resource Criteria and on formal reports from several trauma verification site visits."

Over 60 visits have been conducted in hospitals in every state of Australia and both islands of New Zealand since the ANZ program started in 2000. 

Download a map (PDF 287.4KB) of Australian and New Zealand hospitals that have undergone Trauma Verification.