@article{ref1,
title="Changes in patterns of trauma injuries in the Dakotas region during the COVID-19 pandemic",
journal="American surgeon",
year="2024",
author="Sarli, Adrian C. and Sang, Hilla I. and Syverson, Deb J. and Axtman, Benjamin and Bjordahl, Paul and Ahmeti, Mentor",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare impact of COVID-19 on trauma volume and characteristics on a set of trauma centers with a rural catchment area. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected different parts of the country quite differently, both in case volume and in local responses. State-wide responses have varied considerably, including variations in local mask mandates, school closures, and social distancing measures. <br><br>METHODS: This was a retrospective trauma registry review of patients who were admitted to three of the tertiary care trauma centers in North and South Dakota between 2014 through 2022. <br><br>RESULTS: In the analysis of 36,397 patients, we found a significant increase in trauma patient volume during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an increased percentage of patients presenting with a mechanism of injury secondary to abuse or assault. This increase in patient volume continued to rise during 2021 and 2022. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted trauma center admissions in the rural and frontier Midwest differently from more urban areas, and the importance of including a variety of settings in trauma research.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0003-1348",
doi="10.1177/00031348241241722",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/00031348241241722"
}