Trauma care systems in South Africa

Aim: To provide an overview of the provision of trauma care in South Africa, a middle income country emerging into a democratic state. Methods: Literature review. Conclusions: South Africa is gripped by an almost hidden epidemic of intentional and non-intentional injury, largely driven by alcohol an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Injury Vol. 34; no. 9; pp. 704 - 708
Main Authors:	Goosen, J., Bowley, D.M., Degiannis, E., Plani, F.
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01-09-2003
Subjects:	Accidents - statistics & numerical data Alcoholism - epidemiology Child Child, Preschool Emergency Medical Services - organization & administration Female Health Services Accessibility Humans Infant, Newborn Male National Health Programs Pregnancy South Africa South Africa - epidemiology Trauma care systems Traumatology - education Traumatology - organization & administration Urbanization - trends Violence - statistics & numerical data Wounds and Injuries - epidemiology Wounds and Injuries - etiology Wounds and Injuries - prevention & control South Africa Trauma care systems South Africa
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Summary:	Aim: To provide an overview of the provision of trauma care in South Africa, a middle income country emerging into a democratic state. Methods: Literature review. Conclusions: South Africa is gripped by an almost hidden epidemic of intentional and non-intentional injury, largely driven by alcohol and substance abuse, against a background of poverty and rapid urbanisation. Gross inequities exist in the provision of trauma care. Access to pre-hospital care and overloading of tertiary facilities are the major inefficiencies to be addressed. The burden of disease due to trauma presents unique opportunities for reconstruction and clinical research.
ISSN:	0020-1383 1879-0267
DOI:	10.1016/S0020-1383(03)00153-0