A Trauma Patient Advocate Is a Valuable Addition to the Multidisciplinary Trauma Team: A Process Improvement Project

Abstract

Any member of the MDTT could request a consultation and assistance from the TPA on an individual basis after identifying specific patient needs on rounds and meeting the criteria of one or more of the following: patients with complex care issues such as poly trauma, having multiple consultants or service lines involved in the care of the patient, difficult family situations such as dealing with estranged family, difficult family communication due to work and travel schedules, need for assistance in decision-making for discharge planning such as choosing a skilled nursing facility, or need for improved communication and coordination of medical care such as coordinating schedules for combined service line cases. [...]we determined that the addition of the TPA to our busy, urban Level I trauma service was well received by the MDTT, subjectively improved team communication and efficiency, and was perceived to increase patient and family engagement and satisfaction with the trauma experience.