Developing a rural trauma outreach program: the experience of a major health care network.

ABSTRACT

This study describes the process undertaken by a private health care network to develop and implement an outreach program for rural level III to V trauma centers. The program provided individualized trauma program support to 18 rural out-of-network facilities. A case study and participant satisfaction survey demonstrate the experiences of rural trauma nurse coordinators working with the program. The Trauma Outreach Program presents a solution to enhance the effectiveness of regional trauma systems, lift the burden on rural facilities, and improve care for the injured patient.