Early impact of American College of Surgeons - Verification at a level-1 pediatric trauma center

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the early impact of American College of Surgeons (ACS)-level-1 verification at an established pediatric trauma center. Methods Following IRB approval, we conducted a retrospective review of all trauma patients treated at a level-1 state-designated pediatric trauma center, comparing 2 years before (2009-2010) and 2 years after ACS-verification (mid-2012-mid-2014). Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results Before verification, 2105 trauma patients were admitted to our institution compared to 2248 patients admitted after ACS-verification. Overall, there were no differences in mean age or injury severity score (ISS). Hospital and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) length of stay (LOS), ventilator days, and mortality were also unchanged. Through incorporation of clinical pathways, the number of PICU admissions decreased significantly from 17.2% to 13.7%. Morbidity in the form of hospital-acquired conditions (HACS) also decreased following verification, most notably through reduction in pneumonias. Decubitus ulcers and nosocomial infections reached their nadir by 2014. Hospital readmission rates also decreased. Conclusions ACS-verification at a level-1 pediatric trauma center is associated with an immediate benefit to patient outcomes. Enhanced tracking and institutional policy changes resulted in fewer HACS. Further cost-saving and improved outcomes because of ACS-verification may be amplified over time.