Impact of a multifunctional image-guided therapy suite on emergency multiple trauma care

BACKGROUND: The multifunctional image-guided therapy suite (MIGTS), a combined diagnostic and operating theatre, is currently the subject of considerable interest. This study investigated the effect of instituting a MIGTS on the emergency treatment of multiply injured patients. METHODS: This prospective controlled intervention study (MIGTS versus conventional treatment) included consecutive multiply injured trauma patients (Injury Severity Score of 16 or more) admitted between February 2003 and April 2005 to a university hospital. Main outcome measures were time to computed tomography (CT) and number of in-hospital transfers. RESULTS: A total of 168 patients were enrolled, 87 in the MIGTS and 81 in the control group. On average, CT was started at least 13 min sooner in the MIGTS group (P > 0.001), and these patients underwent fewer within-hospital transfers before arrival in the intensive care unit (median 2 versus 4 for controls; odds ratio -2.92, P > 0.001). Team members indicated increased satisfaction with the quality of the MIGTS procedure over the course of the study (P = 0.009). Thirty-day mortality rate (17 per cent for MIGTS versus 22 per cent for controls; P = 0.420) and long-term outcome did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a MIGTS in the emergency treatment of multiple trauma significantly accelerated the procedure and reduced the number of in-hospital transports. Registration number: NCT0072213 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).