Trauma Connect Clinic: Continuing the trauma case management model for patients affected by traumatic injuries: A quality improvement initiative.

Background: A case-management model of care is frequently used in acute-care settings for patients with major traumatic injuries; however, its application to trauma follow-up care after hospital discharge remains unclear.
Aim: To describe the services provided by the Trauma Connect Clinic (TCC): a NP- led case management model, in trauma follow-up care.
Methods: An exploratory descriptive study design was used. Data collected included patient and injury characteristics, clinic activities, attendance rates, referral patterns and complications.
Results: Three-hundred and twenty-four TCC appointments were scheduled for 194 patients ( n = 302) with an attendance rate of 93% ( n = 302). Ongoing health issues included pain ( n  = 22, 37%), thrombotic events ( n  = 8, 13%) and infection ( n  = 7, 12%). Clinic activity included 77 referrals to the wider MDT ( n = 77), radiology reviews ( n = 225) and 39 prescribing events, consisting mainly of analgesia.
Conclusion: A case management model can successfully deliver trauma follow-up care and efficiently use limited resources. Key elements involve careful assessment and management of patients' physical and emotional needs. Evaluation of longer-term outcomes of this model of care in trauma settings is required.