Implementing Scientific Evidence-Based Guidelines: Case Study of Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries

Abstract Research has proven that all brain damage does not occur at the moment of trauma, but rather evolves over the ensuing hours and days after the initial injury, due to brain swelling. In most cases, this secondary damage can be controlled using scientific, evidence-based treatment guidelines. The US based Brain Trauma Foundation developed those guidelines in 1995. Trauma is the most frequent cause of death between the 1st and the 40th year of life in Austria. The program targets an issue of quality of care improvement in the hospital setting. The program started with six regional ones. Consequently, the program will be extended to more trauma centers later on. Representatives of all participating centers were trained at the spot (within the hospitals) in details of documentation (hardware and software). The Internet based database is used to monitor the compliance with the Guidelines and the outcomes of treatment. The data collected will be analyzed and will provide basic epidemiological and quality of care information.