Trauma Task Force

Time Critical Diagnosis System

Missouri’s TCD-Trauma System

TCD-Trauma System Task Force Purpose:  To advance Missouri’s trauma care within the Time Critical Diagnosis (TCD) System.  This will be done by formulating recommendations to improve care and taking action on priority tasks.

Background:  Missouri is fortunate to have a rich, vibrant history of trauma system development and has benefited from dedicated emergency medical, trauma, and hospital communities. 

Legislation has recently passed (2008) creating the new TCD system in Missouri.  This system provides the trauma community with an opportunity to seriously evaluate the current state of the trauma system, strengthen the existing infrastructure, and enhance system components.  Importantly, the steps that the trauma community takes in appraising its system of care and building on it will provide leadership for continual improvement of the TCD system. 

Task Force End Products—Target Completion Date of September 2009

1. Recommendations to DHSS to advance trauma care delivery beyond the ad hoc task force time frame.
2. Review of regional committees, regional structure and function, and recommendations for regional process to support trauma system and Quality Improvement (QI).
3. Updated Pre-Arrival Instructions (PAI)/Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols.
4. Increased use of on- and off-line medical control for out-of-hospital emergency medical care.
5. Helicopter early launch protocols.
6. Updated triage/transfer protocols.
7. Review of need for level IV trauma centers, and, if needed, plan of action established.
8. Updated QI/process evaluation.
9. Plan for QI for trauma system on statewide and regional basis that includes out-of-hospital agencies and both designated and non-designated hospital centers.
10. State classification scheme with regional variables.

Scope of Task Force’s Efforts

1. The task force will address TCD system components from prevention through quality improvement. Rehabilitation issues will not be addressed at this time.
2. Task Force will meet from September 18, 2008 through September 2009.
3. Task Force efforts will coordinate with the State Advisory Council on EMS and Regional Committees.
4. Guiding Principles and Ground Rules are used at each of the meetings to guide discussion and decisions.

Steering Committee
Roles and Responsibilities

1. Advise the DHSS on process to support work of the TCD-Trauma System Task Force.
2. Assure that key stakeholders are invited and encourage participation in Task Force meetings.
3. Commit time to compile recommendations and complete end products.
4. Help resolve problems or issues that may arise from full Task Force.

Membership

Task Force
Roles and Responsibilities

1. Review current status of trauma system, complete work on priority projects, and compile recommendations for long-term actions to improve care delivery.
2. Represent organization or agency perspective at task force meetings and regularly communicate with respective organizational members or agency colleagues regarding the planning process and work of the task force.
3. Commit time to compile recommendations and complete projects.
4. Inform and approve measures of system components.

Meetings

Meetings are scheduled beginning in September 2008 through May 2009.  Attached is the meeting schedule.

September 18, 2008 Meeting

1. Meeting Highlights
2. The Time Critical Diagnosis System and the Role of the Trauma Model PowerPoint Presentation by Dr. Muzaffar

October 29, 2008 Meeting

1. Agenda
2. Meeting Highlights
3. State EMS Advisory Council (190.101 RSMo)
4. Regional EMS Advisory Committees (190.102 RSMo)
5. EMS Regions and Committee (19 CSR 30-40.302)
6. Regional EMS Committee Overview and Task Force Recommendations PowerPoint Presentation
7. Trauma System Overview - Oregon, Texas, Florida, California and North Carolina

December 19, 2008 Meeting - Meeting Cancelled

1. Agenda
2. RSVP Form
3. Directions to Hotel

January 28, 2009 Meeting

1. Agenda
2. RSVP Form

(Subsequent meeting dates will be added to the webpage when agendas become available)

General References

• General Standards for Trauma Center Designation for the State of Missouri
• Trauma Level IV Requirements in Other States
• TCD Task Force Resource Map
• Preliminary Recommendations to Advance Trauma Care Within TCD System