Hospital-acquired infections as a risk factor for post-traumatic epilepsy: A registry-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Hospital-acquired infections are a common complication for patients with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), contributing to morbidity and mortality. As infection-mediated immune responses can predispose towards epilepsy, we hypothesized that post-injury hospital-acquired infections increase the risk of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of adults with moderate to severe TBI was conducted using data from the Victorian State Trauma Registry in Australia. Infections were identified from the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision-Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM) codes, and diagnosis of PTE was determined by the Glasgow Outcome Scale - Extended questionnaire regarding epileptic fits at 24 months follow-up. RESULTS: Of all TBI patients (n = 15 152), 24% had evidence of having had any type of infection, with the most common being pneumonia, urinary tract, and respiratory infections. Of those who responded to the PTE question at 24 months (n = 1361), 11% had developed PTE. Univariable analysis found that the incidence of PTE was higher in patients who had any type of infection compared to patients without an infection (p < 0.001). After adjustment for covariates associated with both development of PTE and risk of infection, multivariable analysis found a solid association between infection and PTE (adjusted RR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.11-2.28; p = 0.011). Having any type of complicating infection acquired during admission was also associated with poor GOSE outcomes at subsequent follow-ups (adjusted OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.11-0.35, p < 0.001). SIGNIFICANCE: These findings suggest that hospital-acquired infections contribute to PTE development after TBI. Future investigation into infections as a modifiable target to reduce poor outcomes after TBI is warranted. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Hospital-acquired infections are common in patients with traumatic brain injuries. A database study of adults with moderate or severe brain injuries in Australia examined whether these infections are associated with the development of epilepsy after a brain injury. 24% of patients had infections, with pneumonia and urinary tract infections being the most common. Of those surveyed 2 years after the injury, 11% developed post-traumatic epilepsy. Patients with infections had a significantly higher risk of epilepsy, even when accounting for other known risk factors, and infections were also linked to poor outcomes more broadly. The study suggests that preventing hospital-acquired infections could be a crucial target for improving outcomes after traumatic brain injuries.

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative: Review and Recommendations for Outcome Measures for Use With Adults and Children After Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative (AUS-TBI) aims to select a set of measures to comprehensively predict and assess outcomes following moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) across Australia. The aim of this article was to report on the implementation and findings of an evidence-based consensus approach to develop AUS-TBI recommendations for outcome measures following adult and pediatric moderate-to-severe TBI. Following consultation with a panel of expert clinicians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives and a Living Experience group, and preliminary literature searches with a broader focus, a decision was made to focus on measures of mortality, everyday functional outcomes, and quality of life. Standardized searches of bibliographic databases were conducted through March 2022. Characteristics of 75 outcome measures were extracted from 1485 primary studies. Consensus meetings among the AUS-TBI Steering Committee, an expert panel of clinicians and researchers and a group of individuals with lived experience of TBI resulted in the production of a final list of 11 core outcome measures: the Functional Independence Measure (FIM); Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E); Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) (adult); mortality; EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ5D); Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory (MPAI); Return to Work /Study (adult and pediatric); Functional Independence Measure for Children (WEEFIM); Glasgow Outcome Scale Modified for Children (GOS-E PEDS); Paediatric Quality of Life Scale (PEDS-QL); and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (pediatric). These 11 outcome measures will be included as common data elements in the AUS-TBI data dictionary. Review Registration PROSPERO (CRD42022290954).

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative: Statement of Working Principles and Rapid Review of Methods to Define Data Dictionaries for Neurological Conditions.

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative (AUS-TBI) aims to develop a health informatics approach to collect data predictive of outcomes for persons with moderate-severe TBI across Australia. Central to this approach is a data dictionary; however, no systematic reviews of methods to define and develop data dictionaries exist to-date. This rapid systematic review aimed to identify and characterize methods for designing data dictionaries to collect outcomes or variables in persons with neurological conditions. Database searches were conducted from inception through October 2021. Records were screened in two stages against set criteria to identify methods to define data dictionaries for neurological conditions (International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision: 08, 22, and 23). Standardized data were extracted. Processes were checked at each stage by independent review of a random 25% of records. Consensus was reached through discussion where necessary. Thirty-nine initiatives were identified across 29 neurological conditions. No single established or recommended method for defining a data dictionary was identified. Nine initiatives conducted systematic reviews to collate information before implementing a consensus process. Thirty-seven initiatives consulted with end-users. Methods of consultation were "roundtable" discussion (n = 30); with facilitation (n = 16); that was iterative (n = 27); and frequently conducted in-person (n = 27). Researcher stakeholders were involved in all initiatives and clinicians in 25. Importantly, only six initiatives involved persons with lived experience of TBI and four involved carers. Methods for defining data dictionaries were variable and reporting is sparse. Our findings are instructive for AUS-TBI and can be used to further development of methods for defining data dictionaries.

Social determinants of health and disparities in pediatric trauma care: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Social determinants of health (SDH), including "the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, work, live and age" affect child health and well-being. Several studies have synthesized evidence about the influence of SDH on childhood injury risks and outcomes. However, there is no systematic evidence about the impact of SDH on accessing care and quality of care once a child has suffered an injury. We aim to evaluate the extent to which access to care and quality of care after injury are affected by children and adolescents' SDH. METHODS: Using Cochrane methodology, we will conduct a systematic review including observational and experimental studies evaluating the association between social/material elements contributing to health disparities, using the PROGRESS-Plus framework: place of residence, race/ethnicity/culture/language, occupation, gender/sex, religion, education, socioeconomic status, and social capital and care received by children and adolescents (≤ 19 years of age) after injury. We will consult published literature using PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Academic Search Premier and grey literature using Google Scholar from their inception to a maximum of 6 months prior to submission for publication. Two reviewers will independently perform study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment for included studies. The risk of bias will be assessed using the ROBINS-E and ROB-2 tools respectively for observational and experimental study designs. We will analyze data to perform narrative syntheses, and if enough studies are identified, we will conduct a meta-analysis using random effects models. DISCUSSION: This systematic review will provide a synthesis of evidence on the association between SDH and pediatric trauma care (access to care and quality of care) that clinicians and policymakers can use to better tailor care systems and promote equitable access and quality of care for all children. We will share our findings through clinical rounds, conferences, and publication in a peer-reviewed journal. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023408467.

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative: Systematic Review and Consensus Process to Determine the Predictive Value of Pre-existing Health Conditions for People with Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

The first aim of the Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative (AUS-TBI) encompasses development of a set of measures that comprehensively predict outcomes for people with moderate-severe TBI across Australia. This process engaged diverse stakeholders and information sources across six areas: social, health, and clinical factors; biological markers; treatments; and longer-term outcomes. Here, we report the systematic review of pre-existing health conditions as predictors of outcome for people with moderate-severe TBI. Standardized searches were implemented across databases until March 31, 2022. English-language reports of studies evaluating association between pre-existing health conditions and clinical outcome in at least 10 patients with moderate-severe TBI were included. A predefined algorithm was used to assign a judgement of predictive value to each observed association. The list of identified pre-existing health conditions was then discussed with key stakeholders during a consensus meeting to determine the feasibility of incorporating them into standard care. The searches retrieved 22,217 records, of which 47 articles were included. The process led to identification of 88 unique health predictors (homologized to 21 predictor categories) of 55 outcomes (homologized to 19 outcome categories). Only pre-existing health conditions with high and moderate predictive values were discussed during the consensus meeting. Following the consensus meeting, 5 out of 11 were included (migraine, mental health conditions, ≥4 pre-existing health conditions, osteoporosis, and body mass index [BMI]) as common data elements in the AUS-TBI data dictionary. Upon further discussion, 3 additional pre-existing health conditions were included. These are pre-existing heart disease, frailty score, and previous incidence of TBI.

PRECISION-TBI: a study protocol for a vanguard prospective cohort study to enhance understanding and management of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury in Australia.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a heterogeneous condition in terms of pathophysiology and clinical course. Outcomes from moderate to severe TBI (msTBI) remain poor despite concerted research efforts. The heterogeneity of clinical management represents a barrier to progress in this area. PRECISION-TBI is a prospective, observational, cohort study that will establish a clinical research network across major neurotrauma centres in Australia. This network will enable the ongoing collection of injury and clinical management data from patients with msTBI, to quantify variations in processes of care between sites. It will also pilot high-frequency data collection and analysis techniques, novel clinical interventions, and comparative effectiveness methodology. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: PRECISION-TBI will initially enrol 300 patients with msTBI with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) <13 requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission for invasive neuromonitoring from 10 Australian neurotrauma centres. Demographic data and process of care data (eg, prehospital, emergency and surgical intervention variables) will be collected. Clinical data will include prehospital and emergency department vital signs, and ICU physiological variables in the form of high frequency neuromonitoring data. ICU treatment data will also be collected for specific aspects of msTBI care. Six-month extended Glasgow Outcome Scores (GOSE) will be collected as the key outcome. Statistical analysis will focus on measures of between and within-site variation. Reports documenting performance on selected key quality indicators will be provided to participating sites. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval has been obtained from The Alfred Human Research Ethics Committee (Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia). All eligible participants will be included in the study under a waiver of consent (hospital data collection) and opt-out (6 months follow-up). Brochures explaining the rationale of the study will be provided to all participants and/or an appropriate medical treatment decision-maker, who can act on the patient's behalf if they lack capacity. Study findings will be disseminated by peer-review publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05855252.

Approaches and reporting of alcohol and other drug testing for injured patients in hospital-based studies: A systematic review.

ISSUE: Hospital alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) testing is important for identifying AOD-related injuries; however, testing methods vary. This systematic review aimed to examine biological AOD testing methods from hospital-based studies of injured patients and quantify what proportion reported key information on those testing methods. APPROACH: Observational studies published in English from 2010 onwards involving biological AOD testing for injured patients presenting to hospital were included. Studies examining single injury causes were excluded. Extracted data included concentration thresholds for AOD detection (e.g., lower limits of detection, author-defined cut-offs), test type (e.g., immunoassay, breathalyser) and approach (e.g., routine, clinical discretion), timing of testing, sample type and the proportion of injured cases tested for AODs. KEY FINDINGS: Of 83 included studies, 76 measured alcohol and 37 other drugs. Forty-nine studies defined blood alcohol concentration thresholds (ranging from 0 to 0.1 g/100 mL). Seven studies defined concentration thresholds for other drugs. Testing approach was reported in 39/76 alcohol and 18/37 other drug studies. Sample type was commonly reported (alcohol: n = 69/76; other drugs: n = 28/37); alcohol was typically measured using blood (n = 60) and other drugs using urine (n = 20). Studies that reported the proportion of cases tested (alcohol: n = 53/76; other drugs: n = 28/37), reported that between 0% and 89% of cases were not tested for alcohol and 0% and 91% for other drugs. Timing of testing was often unreported (alcohol: n = 61; other drugs: n = 30). IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSION: Variation in AOD testing methods alongside incomplete reporting of those methods limits data comparability and interpretation. Standardised reporting of testing methods will assist AOD-related injury surveillance and prevention.

Review article: Pre-hospital trauma guidelines and access to lifesaving interventions in Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand.

The centralisation of trauma services in western countries has led to an improvement in patient outcomes. Effective trauma systems include a pre-hospital trauma system. Delivery of high-level pre-hospital trauma care must include identification of potential major trauma patients, access and correct application of lifesaving interventions (LSIs) and timely transport to definitive care. Globally, many nations endorse nationwide pre-hospital major trauma triage guidelines, to ensure a universal approach to patient care. This paper examined clinical guidelines from all 10 EMS in Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand. All relevant trauma guidelines were included, and key information was extracted. Authors compared major trauma triage criteria, all LSI included in guidelines, and guidelines for transport to definitive care. The identification of major trauma patients varied between all 10 EMS, with no universal criteria. The most common approach to trauma triage included a three-step assessment process: physiological criteria, identified injuries and mechanism of injury. Disparity between physiological criteria, injuries and mechanism was found when comparing guidelines. All 10 EMS had fundamental LSI included in their trauma guidelines. Fundamental LSI included haemorrhage control (arterial tourniquets, pelvic binders), non-invasive airway management (face mask ventilation, supraglottic airway devices) and pleural wall needle decompression. Variation in more advanced LSI was evident between EMS. Optimising trauma triage guidelines is an important aspect of a robust and evidence driven trauma system. The lack of consensus in trauma triage identified in the present study makes benchmarking and comparison of trauma systems difficult.

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative: Systematic Review of the Effect of Acute Interventions on Outcome for People With Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative (AUS-TBI) is developing a data resource to enable improved outcome prediction for people with moderate-severe TBI (msTBI) across Australia. Fundamental to this resource is the collaboratively designed data dictionary. This systematic review and consultation aimed to identify acute interventions with potential to modify clinical outcomes for people after msTBI, for inclusion in a data dictionary. Standardized searches were implemented across bibliographic databases from inception through April 2022. English-language reports of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating any association between any acute intervention and clinical outcome in at least 100 patients with msTBI, were included. A predefined algorithm was used to assign a value to each observed association. Consultation with AUS-TBI clinicians and researchers formed the consensus process for interventions to be included in a single data dictionary. Searches retrieved 14,455 records, of which 124 full-length RCTs were screened, with 35 studies included. These studies evaluated 26 unique acute interventions across 21 unique clinical outcomes. Only 4 interventions were considered to have medium modifying value for any outcome from the review, with an additional 8 interventions agreed upon through the consensus process. The interventions with medium value were tranexamic acid and phenytoin, which had a positive effect on an outcome; and decompressive craniectomy surgery and hypothermia, which negatively affected outcomes. From the systematic review and consensus process, 12 interventions were identified as potential modifiers to be included in the AUS-TBI national data resource.

HIP fracture Supplemental Therapy to Enhance Recovery (HIPSTER): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures result in substantial health impacts for patients and costs to health systems. Many patients require prolonged hospital stays and up to 60% do not regain their prefracture level of mobility within 1 year. Physical rehabilitation plays a key role in regaining physical function and independence; however, there are no recommendations regarding the optimal intensity. This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of early intensive in-hospital physiotherapy compared with usual care in patients who have had surgery following a hip fracture. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This two-arm randomised, controlled, assessor-blinded trial will recruit 620 participants who have had surgery following a hip fracture from eight hospitals. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to receive usual care (physiotherapy according to usual practice at the site) or intensive physiotherapy in the hospital over the first 7 days following surgery (two additional sessions per day, one delivered by a physiotherapist and the other by an allied health assistant). The primary outcome is the total hospital length of stay, measured from the date of hospital admission to the date of hospital discharge, including both acute and subacute hospital days. Secondary outcomes are functional mobility, health-related quality of life, concerns about falling, discharge destination, proportion of patients remaining in hospital at 30 days, return to preadmission mobility and residence at 120 days and adverse events. Twelve months of follow-up will capture data on healthcare utilisation. A cost-effectiveness evaluation will be undertaken, and a process evaluation will document barriers and facilitators to implementation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee has approved this protocol. The trial findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals, submitted for presentation at conferences and disseminated to patients and carers. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12622001442796.

Prevalence of alcohol and other drug detections in non-transport injury events.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) detections in suspected major trauma patients with non-transport injuries who presented to an adult major trauma centre. METHODS: This registry-based cohort study examined the prevalence of AOD detections in patients aged ≥18 years who: (i) sustained non-transport injuries; and (ii) met predefined trauma call-out criteria and were therefore managed by an interdisciplinary trauma team between 1 July 2021 and 31 December 2022. Prevalence was measured using routine in-hospital blood alcohol and urine drug screens. RESULTS: A total of 1469 cases met the inclusion criteria. Of cases with a valid blood test (n = 1248, 85.0%), alcohol was detected in 313 (25.1%) patients. Of the 733 (49.9%) cases with urine drug screen results, cannabinoids were most commonly detected (n = 103, 14.1%), followed by benzodiazepines (n = 98, 13.4%), amphetamine-type substances (n = 80, 10.9%), opioids (n = 28, 3.8%) and cocaine (n = 17, 2.3%). Alcohol and/or at least one other drug was detected in 37.4% (n = 472) of cases with either a blood alcohol or urine drug test completed (n = 1263, 86.0%). Multiple substances were detected in 16.6% (n = 119) of cases with both blood alcohol and urine drug screens (n = 718, 48.9%). Detections were prevalent in cases of interpersonal violence (n = 123/179, 68.7%) and intentional self-harm (n = 50/106, 47.2%), and in those occurring on Friday and Saturday nights (n = 118/191, 61.8%). CONCLUSION: AOD detections were common in trauma patients with non-transport injury causes. Population-level surveillance is needed to inform prevention strategies that address AOD use as a significant risk factor for serious injury.

A scoping review of models of care for the management of older trauma patients.

INTRODUCTION: The number of older people hospitalised with major trauma is rapidly increasing. New models of care have emerged, such as co-management, and trauma centres dedicated to delivering geriatric trauma care. The aim of this scoping review was to explore in-hospital models of care for older adults who experience physical trauma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The search was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA- SC (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews) reporting guidelines. The National Heart Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH) study quality assessment tool was used to evaluate risk of bias in before and after non-randomised experimental studies. RESULTS: Of 2127 records returned from the database search, 43 papers were included. We identified five types of care models investigated in the reviewed studies: centralised trauma management, consultation services, co-management, patient care protocols, and alert and triage systems. The majority of patients were admitted under a specialised trauma service, intervention teams were for the most part multidisciplinary, and follow-up of patients post-discharge was seldom reported. Consultation services more often had advanced care and discharge planning as treatment objectives. In contrast, patient care protocol and alert systems commonly had management of anticoagulation as a treatment objective. Overall, the impact of the five models of care on patient outcomes was mixed. DISCUSSION: Given the variability in patient characteristics and capabilities of health services, models of care need to be matched to the local profile of older trauma patients. However, some standards should be incorporated into a care model, including identifying goals of care, medication review and follow up post-discharge.

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative: Systematic Review and Consensus Process to Determine the Predictive Value of Demographic, Injury Event, and Social Characteristics on Outcomes for People With Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

The objective of the Australian Traumatic Brain Injury (AUS-TBI) Initiative is to develop a data dictionary to inform data collection and facilitate prediction of outcomes of people who experience moderate-severe TBI in Australia. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence of the association between demographic, injury event, and social characteristics with outcomes, in people with moderate-severe TBI, to identify potentially predictive indicators. Standardized searches were implemented across bibliographic databases to March 31, 2022. English-language reports, excluding case series, which evaluated the association between demographic, injury event, and social characteristics, and any clinical outcome in at least 10 patients with moderate-severe TBI were included. Abstracts and full text records were independently screened by at least two reviewers in Covidence. A pre-defined algorithm was used to assign a judgement of predictive value to each observed association. The review findings were discussed with an expert panel to determine the feasibility of incorporation of routine measurement into standard care. The search strategy retrieved 16,685 records; 867 full-length records were screened, and 111 studies included. Twenty-two predictors of 32 different outcomes were identified; 7 were classified as high-level (age, sex, ethnicity, employment, insurance, education, and living situation at the time of injury). After discussion with an expert consensus group, 15 were recommended for inclusion in the data dictionary. This review identified numerous predictors capable of enabling early identification of those at risk for poor outcomes and improved personalization of care through inclusion in routine data collection.

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative: Single Data Dictionary to Predict Outcome for People With Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

In this series of eight articles, the Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative (AUS-TBI) consortium describes the Australian approach used to select the common data elements collected acutely that have been shown to predict outcome following moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) across the lifespan. This article presents the unified single data dictionary, together with additional measures chosen to facilitate comparative effectiveness research and data linkage. Consultations with the AUS-TBI Lived Experience Expert Group provided insights on the merits and considerations regarding data elements for some of the study areas, as well as more general principles to guide the collection of data and the selection of meaningful measures. These are presented as a series of guiding principles and themes. The AUS-TBI Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group identified a number of key points and considerations for the project approach specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including key issues of data sovereignty and community involvement. These are outlined in the form of principles to guide selection of appropriate methodologies, data management, and governance. Implementation of the AUS-TBI approach aims to maximize ongoing data collection and linkage, to facilitate personalization of care and improved outcomes for people who experience moderate-severe TBI.

Prevalence of Alcohol and Other Drug Use in Patients Presenting to Hospital for Violence-Related Injuries: A Systematic Review.

Substance use is a risk factor for being both a perpetrator and a victim of violence. The aim of this systematic review was to report the prevalence of acute pre-injury substance use in patients with violence-related injuries. Systematic searches were used to identify observational studies that included patients aged ≥15 years presenting to hospital after violence-related injuries and used objective toxicology measures to report prevalence of acute pre-injury substance use. Studies were grouped based on injury cause (any violence-related, assault, firearm, and other penetrating injuries including stab and incised wounds) and substance type (any substance, alcohol only, drugs other than alcohol only), and they were summarized using narrative synthesis and meta-analyses. This review included 28 studies. Alcohol was detected in 13%-66% of any violence-related injuries (five studies), 4%-71% of assaults (13 studies), 21%-45% of firearm injuries (six studies; pooled estimate = 41%, 95% CI: 40%-42%, n = 9,190), and 9%-66% of other penetrating injuries (nine studies; pooled estimate = 60%, 95% CI: 56%-64%, n = 6,950). Drugs other than alcohol were detected in 37% of any violence-related injuries (one study), 39% of firearm injuries (one study), 7%-49% of assaults (five studies), and 5%-66% of penetrating injuries (three studies). The prevalence of any substance varied across injury categories: any violence-related injuries = 76%-77% (three studies), assaults = 40%-73% (six studies), firearms = n/a, other penetrating injuries = 26%-45% (four studies; pooled estimate = 30%, 95% CI: 24%-37%, n = 319).Overall, substance use was frequently detected in patients presenting to hospital for violence-related injuries. Quantification of substance use in violence-related injuries provides a benchmark for harm reduction and injury prevention strategies.

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative: Systematic Review of Predictive Value of Biological Markers for People With Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative (AUS-TBI) aims to co-design a data resource to predict outcomes for people with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) across Australia. Fundamental to this resource is the data dictionary, which is an ontology of data items. Here, we report the systematic review and consensus process for inclusion of biological markers in the data dictionary. Standardized database searches were implemented from inception through April 2022. English-language studies evaluating association between a fluid, tissue, or imaging marker and any clinical outcome in at least 10 patients with moderate-severe TBI were included. Records were screened using a prioritization algorithm and saturation threshold in Research Screener. Full-length records were then screened in Covidence. A pre-defined algorithm was used to assign a judgement of predictive value to each observed association, and high-value predictors were discussed in a consensus process. Searches retrieved 106,593 records; 1,417 full-length records were screened, resulting in 546 included records. Two hundred thirty-nine individual markers were extracted, evaluated against 101 outcomes. Forty-one markers were judged to be high-value predictors of 15 outcomes. Fluid markers retained following the consensus process included ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), S100, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Imaging markers included computed tomography (CT) scores (e.g., Marshall scores), pathological observations (e.g., hemorrhage, midline shift), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) classification (e.g., diffuse axonal injury). Clinical context and time of sampling of potential predictive indicators are important considerations for utility. This systematic review and consensus process has identified fluid and imaging biomarkers with high predictive value of clinical and long-term outcomes following moderate-severe TBI.

Impact of an injury hospital admission on childhood academic performance: a Welsh population-based data linkage study.

BACKGROUND: While injuries can impact on children's educational achievements (with threats to their development and employment prospects), these risks are poorly quantified. This population-based longitudinal study investigated the impact of an injury-related hospital admission on Welsh children's academic performance. METHODS: The Secure Anonymised Information Linkage databank, 55 587 children residing in Wales from 2006 to 2016 who had an injury hospital admission (58.2% males; 16.8% born in most deprived Wales area; 80.1% one injury hospital admission) were linked to data from the Wales Electronic Cohort for Children. The primary outcome was the Core Subject Indicator reflecting educational achievement at key stages 2 (school years 3-6), 3 (school years 7-9) and 4 (school years 10-11). Covariates in models included demographic, birth, injury and school characteristics. RESULTS: Educational achievement of children was negatively associated with: pedestrian injuries (adjusted risk ratio, (95% CIs)) (0.87, (0.83 to 0.92)), cyclist (0.96, (0.94 to 0.99)), high fall (0.96, (0.94 to 0.97)), fire/flames/smoke (0.85, (0.73 to 0.99)), cutting/piercing object (0.96, (0.93 to 0.99)), intentional self-harm (0.86, (0.82 to 0.91)), minor traumatic brain injury (0.92, (0.86 to 0.99)), contusion/open wound (0.93, (0.91 to 0.95)), fracture of vertebral column (0.78, (0.64 to 0.95)), fracture of femur (0.88, (0.84 to 0.93)), internal abdomen/pelvic haemorrhage (0.82, (0.69 to 0.97)), superficial injury (0.94, (0.92 to 0.97)), young maternal age (<18 years: 0.91, (0.88 to 0.94); 19-24 years: 0.94, (0.93 to 0.96)); area based socioeconomic status (0.98, (0.97 to 0.98)); moving to a more deprived area (0.95, (0.93 to 0.97)); requiring special educational needs (0.46, (0.44 to 0.47)). Positive associations were: being female (1.04, (1.03 to 1.06)); larger pupil school sizes and maternal age 30+ years. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance on a child's education of preventing injuries and implementing intervention programmes that support injured children. Greater attention is needed on equity-focused educational support and social policies addressing needs of children at risk of underachievement, including those from families experiencing poverty. VIBES-JUNIOR STUDY PROTOCOL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024755.

Cohort profile: The Trauma Outcomes Project, a prospective study of New Zealanders experiencing major trauma.

PURPOSE: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are useful for trauma registries interested in monitoring patient outcomes and trauma care quality. PROMs had not previously been collected by the New Zealand Trauma Registry (NZTR). More than 2500 New Zealanders are admitted to hospital for major trauma annually. The Trauma Outcomes Project (TOP) collected PROMs postinjury from three of New Zealand's (NZ's) major trauma regions. This cohort profile paper aims to provide a thorough description of preinjury and 6 month postinjury characteristics of the TOP cohort, including specifically for Maori (Indigenous population in Aotearoa me Te Waipounamu/NZ). PARTICIPANTS: Between July 2019 and June 2020, 2533 NZ trauma patients were admitted to one of 22 hospitals nationwide for major trauma and included on the NZTR. TOP invited trauma patients (aged ≥16 years) to be interviewed from three regions; one region (Midlands) declined to participate. Interviews included questions about health-related quality of life, disability, injury recovery, healthcare access and household income adequacy. FINDINGS TO DATE: TOP recruited 870 participants, including 119 Maori. At 6 months postinjury, most (85%) reported that the injury still affected them, 88% reported problems with≥1 of five EQ-5D-5L dimensions (eg, 75% reported problems with pain or discomfort, 71% reported problems with usual activities and 52% reported problems with mobility). Considerable disability (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, WHODAS II, score ≥10) was reported by 45% of participants. The prevalence of disability among Maori participants was 53%; for non-Maori it was 44%. Over a quarter of participants (28%) reported trouble accessing healthcare services for their injury. Participation in paid work decreased from 63% preinjury to 45% 6 months postinjury. FUTURE PLANS: The 12 and 24 month postinjury data collection has recently been completed; analyses of 12 month outcomes are underway. There is potential for longer-term follow-up interviews with the existing cohort in future. TOP findings are intended to inform the National Trauma Network's quality improvement processes. TOP will identify key aspects that aid in improving postinjury outcomes for people experiencing serious injury, including importantly for Maori.

Comparison of short-term outcomes between people with and without a pre-morbid mental health diagnosis following surgery for traumatic hand injury: a prospective longitudinal study of a multicultural cohort.

BACKGROUND: Following traumatic hand injury, few studies have compared outcomes between people with and without a pre-morbid mental health diagnosis. This study aimed to compare sub-acute outcomes in a multicultural patient cohort with surgically managed traumatic hand injury with and without a pre-morbid mental health diagnosis. METHODS: A prospective, observational cohort study of people with traumatic hand injury presenting pre- surgically to a high-volume hand injury centre in a region of cultural and language diversity was conducted. Participants were assessed face-to-face (baseline) then via telephone (3-months post-surgery) and categorized according to a pre-morbid medically diagnosed mental health diagnosis. Baseline and follow-up assessments included global mental health, and the EuroQol (EQ) 'Health Today' analogue scale (0-100) and health domains. Return-to-work status, complications/symptomatic complaints, and hand function (QuickDASH) were also collected at follow-up. Adjusted analyses-accounting for covariates including cultural identity-were conducted to determine whether 3-month outcomes were associated with a pre-morbid mental health diagnosis. RESULTS: From 405 eligible patients, 386 were enrolled (76% male, mean age 38.9 (standard deviation 15.6)); 57% self-identified as Australian and 22% had a pre-morbid mental health diagnosis. Common injuries regardless of pre-morbid mental health diagnosis were skin (40%), tendon (17%) and bone (17%) injuries. None were complex mutilating injuries. Seventy-eight per cent of the cohort was followed-up. In adjusted analyses, a pre-morbid mental health diagnosis was associated with lower odds for reporting 'good or better' global mental health (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.23 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.18, 0.47), p < 0.001), 'no' anxiety or depression (OR 0.21 (0.11, 0.40), p < 0.001) and no pain (OR 0.56 (0.31, 0.98), p = 0.04)(EQ domains), and worse EQ 'Health Today' (10 points on average (95%CI -14.9, -5.1, p < 0.001). QuickDASH scores, rates of complications/symptomatic complaints and return-to-work profiles were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Despite reporting worse mental and health-related quality-of-life outcomes post-surgery, people with a pre-morbid mental health diagnosis regardless of cultural identity experienced similar clinical and return-to-work outcomes. Future research assessing the value of screening for pre-morbid mental health conditions on post-surgical outcomes is required and should include people with more complex hand injuries.

Stepped collaborative care for pain and posttraumatic stress disorder after major trauma: a randomized controlled feasibility trial.

PURPOSE: To examine feasibility and acceptability of providing stepped collaborative care case management targeting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and pain symptoms after major traumatic injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were major trauma survivors in Victoria, Australia, at risk of persistent pain or PTSD with high baseline symptoms. Participants were block-randomized, stratified by compensation-status, to the usual care (n = 15) or intervention (n = 17) group (46% of eligible patients). The intervention was adapted from existing stepped collaborative care interventions with input from interdisciplinary experts and people with lived experience in trauma and disability. The proactive case management intervention targeted PTSD and pain management for 6-months using motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy strategies, and collaborative care. Qualitative interviews explored intervention acceptability. RESULTS: Intervention participants received a median of 7 h case manager contact and reported that they valued the supportive and non-judgmental listening, and timely access to effective strategies, resources, and treatments post-injury from the case manager. Participants reported few disadvantages from participation, and positive impacts on symptoms and recovery outcomes consistent with the reduction in PTSD and pain symptoms measured at 1-, 3- and 6-months. CONCLUSIONS: Stepped collaborative care was low-cost, feasible, and acceptable to people at risk of PTSD or pain after major trauma.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAfter hospitalization for injury, people can experience difficulty accessing timely support to manage posttraumatic stress, pain and other concerns.Stepped case management-based interventions that provide individualized support and collaborative care have reduced posttraumatic stress symptom severity for patients admitted to American trauma centers.We showed that this model of care could be adapted to target pain and mental health in the trauma system in Victoria, Australia.The intervention was low cost, acceptable and highly valued by most participants who perceived that it helped them use strategies to better manage post-traumatic symptoms, and to access clinicians and treatments relevant to their needs.