This cross-sectional study was performed at 12 facilities nationally using a survey tool assessing the areas of infrastructure, supplies and equipment, personnel and training, and procedural capabilities. Additionally, the total number of trauma cases presenting to each facility was tabulated from emergency room logbooks.
A total of six secondary and six tertiary facilities were surveyed. Secondary facilities received an average of 35 trauma cases per week, whereas tertiary facilities received an average of 65 cases per week. Survey results demonstrated a shortage of airway, breathing, and circulation equipment and supplies in both facility levels, particularly in emergency rooms. All facilities lacked access to essential surgical personnel and trauma training.
This study makes recommendations for improvements in trauma care in Haiti in the areas of infrastructure and administration, physical resources, and training and human resources. These recommendations represent feasible steps that can be taken toward the construction of a national trauma system in Haiti.