Trauma Outcomes Based on Remoteness of Injury in Australia: A Systemic Review

Sanaa Hafeez-Baig; Lisa Buckley; Mark Midwinter

doi:10.1111/ajr.13216

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Trauma Outcomes Based on Remoteness of Injury in Australia: A Systemic Review

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Trauma Outcomes Based on Remoteness of Injury in Australia: A Systemic Review

Sanaa Hafeez-Baig, Lisa Buckley and Mark Midwinter

Australian Journal of Rural Health, Vol.33(1), pp.1-10

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.13216

PMID: 39803766

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Abstract

geographic location

hospital outcomes

mortality

regional

trauma centres

Introduction Research suggests a significant disparity between rural and urban trauma patient outcomes, causing substantial social, economic and emotional costs, impacting health-related quality of life and functionality, and straining our healthcare system. There has not been a systematic examination of contributing factors in Australia. Objective This study aims to systematically describe the nature of research on trauma outcomes by geographical location and (where possible) describe factors found to increase or decrease the likelihood and severity of injury in rural Australia. Design Five databases (EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL) and reference lists were searched. Eligible studies compared injury outcomes by geographic location in Australia, using a quantitative study design. No restrictions were placed on publication year or outcomes explored. The results were synthesised narratively. Findings We found 14 papers. Mortality, the most studied outcome (n = 11), was overall positively related to traumatic incidents in more rural locations. Other data outcomes included hospital admissions and length of stay, admission to ICU, 28-day hospital readmission, rehabilitation, and patient-reported quality of life. Study findings show different mechanisms of injury (e.g., falls) and limited accounts of pre-hospital experiences. Discussion Geographical location of trauma may impact the likelihood of injury mortality but is potentially confounded by the different mechanisms and severity of injury. There is insufficient evidence to make conclusions on other non-mortality and longer-term outcomes, and a greater understanding of prehospital outcomes is also needed. Conclusion This relationship is considered weak due to the limited geographic representation across Australia and the general paucity of recent literature.

Details

Title: Trauma Outcomes Based on Remoteness of Injury in Australia: A Systemic Review
Authors: Sanaa Hafeez-Baig (Corresponding Author) - University of Queensland
Lisa Buckley (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Road Safety Research Collaboration
Mark Midwinter - University of Newcastle Australia
Publication details: Australian Journal of Rural Health, Vol.33(1), pp.1-10
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.1111/ajr.13216
ISSN: 1440-1584
PMID: 39803766
Data Availability: Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.
Organisation Unit: School of Law and Society; Road Safety Research Collaboration
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991093998102621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Nursing; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

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