Keywords
public health infrastructure
sustainable development
trauma care
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: The need for an effective trauma care system in Albania cannot be overstressed. Trauma is still a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, particularly among young people. The moment to take action is here because the need for a structured trauma system has been recognized and some of the problems need to be addressed.
Lacking an institutionalized system of trauma: Albania currently lacks a formalized, well-organized system of trauma. The effect this would have, however, could be enormous; well-organized systems of trauma that are able to make rapid transitions from the site of the injury itself to the rehabilitation phase could cut back dramatically on the duration of delay in treatment and ultimately improve outcomes.
Unstandardized Data Collection and Quality Development of Data: Standardized data collection, quality development procedures, and verification of trauma processes are not standardized. This results in patchy and variable trauma care, and it is challenging to track and improve outcomes.
Shortage of Trauma Care Specialist: The most critical shortage is the scarcity of medical experts with specialized skills in trauma care, including emergency medicine physicians and trauma surgeons. Trauma care requires a multidisciplinary approach with specialization across various aspects of care, ranging from resuscitation at the moment of injury to surgical intervention.
Infrastructure and Resource Constraints: Most healthcare centers, especially in rural settings, have inadequate infrastructure, equipment, and resources to deliver optimal trauma care. This extends to shortcomings in trauma centers, emergency departments, and pre-hospital care. Problems in Transportation and Prehospital Care: Proper prehospital care and transportation of trauma patients are crucial to improving outcomes. In Albania, problems with transportation and the lack of sufficient training for paramedics can compromise prompt care.
Public Awareness and Prevention of Injury: Increased public awareness regarding prevention of injury and protection measures is not merely significant, it's essential. Efforts to prevent trauma, particularly road traffic accidents, have a key role in influencing the rate of trauma as a whole.
Coordination Among Health Facilities: Coordination among health facilities, ranging from small clinics to large hospitals, is key to smooth patient transfer and continuity of patient care.
Advocacy by healthcare professionals and organizations must be conducted in order to promote the need for a formalized trauma system. Government assistance and financing is necessary to set up and maintain trauma care infrastructure.
Conclusion: The establishment of an integrated trauma system in Albania is an arduous task that requires the collaboration of health care stakeholders, advocacy, resources to be shifted and an unrelenting commitment to improve trauma care from injury time to rehabilitation. This ongoing challenge holds great importance for the reduction of morbidity and mortality resulting from trauma in the country.
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