Rationalizing a trauma service line at an ACS-verified Level II trauma center

A large regional medical center in the Midwest has been operating as an ACS-verified Level II trauma center for more than two decades. The leadership team was strategically reviewing their portfolio of services and needed guidance to help determine whether the trauma center was contributing to the profit of the hospital.

Philips Trauma Center Consulting Services was asked to conduct a financial assessment to model three scenarios and provide a recommendation to either: continue as a Level II trauma center, downgrade to a Level III trauma center, or close the trauma program.

Assessment 

Our consultants engaged with administration, physicians, front-line staff, managers, data analyst, business development, and finance to complete a deep analysis of pertinent data and conduct onsite observations and stakeholder interviews.

Data review 

A key component in the assessment was a detailed review of volume, acuity, quality, registry, on-call coverage, and financial reports. Data was validated for consistent data definitions and integrity.    

Observations

After data validation, the consultants turned their attention to the front line to observe departmental and programmatic operations. Observations included the review of workflow efficiencies, team dynamics, modes of communication, patient hand-offs (pre-hospital and hospital), and data collection. 

Results and recommendations* 

The comprehensive trauma center financial assessment provided the analysis below.

• Market analysis supported the continued value and need to provide trauma services in their community
• Excellent patient care statistics and satisfaction based on positive TQIP results
• Positive financial contribution to the organization of almost $1 million 
• Continual increase in volume trends in the trauma registry