Global Neurotrauma Outcomes Study: Spine
An international, multi-centre, prospective observational study on traumatic spine injury
BACKGROUND
Traumatic spinal injury (TSI) accounts for a significant proportion of disability and death worldwide, with the majority of this burden affecting individuals in low- to middle- income countries (LMICs). The current global approach to the care of patients following TSI is inconsistent with considerable geographical differences reported, and limited data available on the impact of these variations on outcomes following TSI. A better understanding of case-mix and processes of care is urgently needed to underpin efforts to identify ways of improving outcome relevant to different socioeconomic settings globally.
AIM
To provide a global snapshot of the case-mix, management, processes of care and short-term outcomes of patients presenting with TSI. In addition, we aim to identify areas for further study, and establish a platform and clinical network to facilitate this future research in global neurotrauma and spinal surgery.
Primary Objective:
Characterise the case-mix, processes of care and variations in nonoperative and operative management strategies, including emergency, ward, surgical and ICU care, in patients presenting with traumatic spinal injury (TSI) between centres across low and high Human Development Index (HDI) countries
METHODS
A multi-centre, international, prospective, observational study. Any unit assessing patients with TSI worldwide will be eligible to participate. Each participating unit will form a study team responsible for gaining local approval, identifying patients for inclusion and conducting data collection. Data will be collected via a secure online platform in an anonymised form.
Processes of care will be characterised by a detailed provider profiling exercise. A registry describing the case-mix and care of all adults presenting with radiologically confirmed TSI will be collected, in a given consecutive 30-day period during the study period starting in 2021.