Focus on trauma systems/centres: an Australasian perspective

Abstract

Over the past 15 years trauma systems in Australasia have developed through a series of reports at state and national level. The emphasis has been on integrated systems of care rather than on free-standing trauma centres. Although excellent models have been described there remains considerable work to be done before an effective and seamless system can be said to exist. Particular strengths to date relate to prehospital care and trauma training, while weaknesses relate to trauma data collection and overall trauma leadership roles.