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Putting equity at the heart of trauma recovery
Vancouver Coastal Health recently hosted the inaugural Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) Trauma Symposium in British Columbia, bringing together people from health care and beyond to focus on how social factors shape traumatic injury and recovery. The event highlighted research, innovation, and quality initiatives that encourage equity in trauma care across the province.
“Not all injuries are the same, and neither are the patients who have them. We need to level the playing field so patients can live healthier lives with less risk of readmission,” said VGH trauma surgeon Dr. Phil Dawe. “A big proportion of trauma patients admitted to VGH come from challenging circumstances making discharge planning and follow up extremely complex. These patients have ongoing needs, and connection to community supports is a must."
For example, when father of two Terry Bartlett woke up at VGH, he learned he had been hit by a vehicle while riding an e-scooter.
He spent six months recovering in hospital from internal and external injuries, including broken ribs, a broken wrist, head lacerations and a concussion. More than a year later, the effects of the concussion and a broken right hand still disrupt his daily life.
Speaking at the VGH Trauma Symposium, Terry said he struggled with basic tasks after being discharged. “Getting here and there with a concussion is hard, so is remembering to turn off the stove or book follow-up appointments," he said.
Lori Quinn, VGH Operations Director for Emergency, Trauma and ICU, believes that clinical and non-clinical support is crucial. “Ultimately, a big part of our patient population needs holistic support throughout the care continuum," she said. “We can look to do that by building more partnerships into the trauma system."
As part of the event, retired trauma surgeon and current VCH Medical Director of Regional Health Emergency Management, Dr. Ross Brown and his family announced the Michael Brown Scholarship for Equity in Trauma Care, in memory of their son, Michael Brown. Michael was known for his support of people in East Vancouver, often providing bystander first response for those injured or suffering medical emergencies.
“Trying to get equity in trauma care is an incredibly complex challenge and Michael recognized that," said Dr. Brown. “This award is a building block in the work that's already underway. I'm excited to see what innovations come next and how we can support it."
The $2,000 scholarship supports emerging researchers and surgical residents exploring the social aspects of traumatic injury and acute care surgery. This year's recipient was Dr. Rebecca Afford for her research study looking at the impact of social determinants of health in the trauma population.