Trauma research methodology
Peter P. Taillac
Search for more papers by this authorPeter P. Taillac
Search for more papers by this authorDavid C. Cone MD
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
Search for more papers by this authorJane H. Brice MD, MPH
Professor of Emergency Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorTheodore R. Delbridge MD, MPH
Executive Director
Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore, Maryland
Search for more papers by this authorJ. Brent Myers MD, MPH
Chief Medical Officer ESO Associate Medical Director
Wake County EMS, Raleigh, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorSummary
Injury is a common reason for EMS activation. Continued improvement in prehospital trauma care depends on well-designed and focused research conducted in the prehospital environment. This chapter explains different research types and their application in prehospital trauma research, including discussions of consent issues, study blinding, contributions by direct medical oversight, and the unique challenges of conducting trauma research in the prehospital environment. It will serve as a guide for the development of high-quality prehospital trauma research efforts.
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