Comparison of Mortality Following Hospitalisation for Isolated Head Injury in England and Wales, and Victoria, Australia
2011

Comparison of Mortality Following Hospitalisation for Isolated Head Injury in England and Wales, and Victoria, Australia

Sample size: 7304 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gabbe Belinda J., Lyons Ronan A., Lecky Fiona E., Bouamra Omar, Woodford Maralyn, Coats Timothy J., Cameron Peter A.

Primary Institution: Monash University, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Hypothesis

This study investigates the risk-adjusted mortality of isolated TBI admissions in England/Wales and Victoria, Australia, and the impact of neurosurgical centre management on outcomes.

Conclusion

The risk-adjusted odds of mortality for all isolated TBI admissions, and severe TBI cases, were higher in England/Wales when compared to Victoria.

Supporting Evidence

  • Mortality was 12% in England/Wales and 9% in Victoria for isolated TBI admissions.
  • Adjusted odds of death in England/Wales were higher compared to Victoria overall.
  • 72% of TARN cases and 86% of VSTR cases were managed at a neurosurgical centre.

Takeaway

This study found that people with serious head injuries are more likely to die in England and Wales than in Victoria, Australia, partly because fewer patients are treated at specialized hospitals.

Methodology

The study used trauma registry and hospital admissions data from England/Wales and Victoria, comparing mortality outcomes for isolated head injuries.

Potential Biases

Selection bias may have impacted the findings due to voluntary participation in the TARN registry.

Limitations

The study design could not establish causation, and there were potential biases due to incomplete data from the trauma registry.

Participant Demographics

The study included patients aged over 15 years with isolated, severe TBI, with a higher percentage of male patients in both jurisdictions.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 1.56, 2.52

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0020545

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