Introduction of a Modified Teen Trauma Prevention Programme: Proposal for a Pilot Programme in New Zealand
Authors List
Dwyer, B., Auckland City Hospital Trauma Service, Auckland, New Zealand
Bhagvan, S., Auckland City Hospital Trauma Service, Auckland, New Zealand
Introduction
Motor vehicle crashes (MVC) are the leading cause of mortality and long term disability in New Zealand for youth and places a significant financial burden to the healthcare system. It is often associated with substance use (alcohol and drug), with Māori patients having disproportionally worse outcome, yet preventative measures are scarce. The objective of this study was to introduce a pilot community based prevention programme in Auckland City in order to address this deficit.
Materials and Methods
The Auckland Trauma Service is developing a programme to be introduced in New Zealand. This consist of a one day interactive sessions for secondary students (Year 11) in the Auckland City region. It is to be held in an arena and is divided into 3 domains: simulated trauma, reality based crash scenario, victim impact statements and interactive displays. The crash scenario would include demonstration of extraction of a severely injured patient, along with a simulation of their journey to the hospital and beyond, including breaking bad news and highlighting the legal consequences of risky behaviour. This is followed by impact statements from patients and families impacted by youth drink driving and include survivors’ testimony. The programme concludes with presentations from related stakeholders (e.g. first responders). A literature search will also be presented analysing similar programmes from other trauma centres.
Results
Impact of the programme will be assessed via formal pre and post event questionnaires. Formal feedback will be sought from involved parties in order to tailor the programme to suit the local needs in New Zealand.
Conclusions
This program will represent a critical step in addressing the disproportionally poor outcome of youth in our local setting and has been proven to be successful worldwide. This pilot programme in Auckland can serve as a springboard for further promulgation nationally in the future.
Dwyer, B., Auckland City Hospital Trauma Service, Auckland, New Zealand
Bhagvan, S., Auckland City Hospital Trauma Service, Auckland, New Zealand
Introduction
Motor vehicle crashes (MVC) are the leading cause of mortality and long term disability in New Zealand for youth and places a significant financial burden to the healthcare system. It is often associated with substance use (alcohol and drug), with Māori patients having disproportionally worse outcome, yet preventative measures are scarce. The objective of this study was to introduce a pilot community based prevention programme in Auckland City in order to address this deficit.
Materials and Methods
The Auckland Trauma Service is developing a programme to be introduced in New Zealand. This consist of a one day interactive sessions for secondary students (Year 11) in the Auckland City region. It is to be held in an arena and is divided into 3 domains: simulated trauma, reality based crash scenario, victim impact statements and interactive displays. The crash scenario would include demonstration of extraction of a severely injured patient, along with a simulation of their journey to the hospital and beyond, including breaking bad news and highlighting the legal consequences of risky behaviour. This is followed by impact statements from patients and families impacted by youth drink driving and include survivors’ testimony. The programme concludes with presentations from related stakeholders (e.g. first responders). A literature search will also be presented analysing similar programmes from other trauma centres.
Results
Impact of the programme will be assessed via formal pre and post event questionnaires. Formal feedback will be sought from involved parties in order to tailor the programme to suit the local needs in New Zealand.
Conclusions
This program will represent a critical step in addressing the disproportionally poor outcome of youth in our local setting and has been proven to be successful worldwide. This pilot programme in Auckland can serve as a springboard for further promulgation nationally in the future.
