TRAUMA CENTER CLOSURES - A NATIONAL ASSESSMENT

A 1990 national survey of 66 closed trauma centers across 14 states was conducted to ascertain the factors that prompted closure. Data from 44 facilities, or 67% of the centers identified, indicate that inadequate financing and physician participation were commonplace. The findings support the work of other investigators and demonstrate that uncompensated care, inadequate reimbursement, high operating costs, and lack of physician support all adversely affect trauma care in both urban and suburban settings.