The Arkansas Trauma System has made big gains in care coordination during its first five years. The system has improved provider communication and access to specialized trauma services, according to an Arkansas Times report.
The Arkansas legislature created the statewide trauma system in 2009. One of the system’s components is the Arkansas Trauma Communications Center. Launched in 2011, the communications center has cut the time it takes to arrange transport to definitive care to an average of 7 minutes, according to the report. System leaders have also created the Hand Trauma Telemed Program, which provides patients with fast, in-state access to specialized hand trauma evaluation and services.
The Arkansas Trauma System is supported by a tobacco tax, and its 2015 budget is $22.7 million, according to the Arkansas Times. Trauma activations provide a measure of the system’s growth. In 2010, 11% of trauma patients received a trauma team activation. That figure is now 22%. Read More
