A mock survey should provide a clear roadmap that helps the trauma program prioritize improvements, assign responsibilities, and establish realistic timelines before the official designation or verification visit.

Trauma centers need staffing plans that grow with patient volume—not just enough to meet ACS or state requirements. Relying on minimum FTEs can lead to delayed registry work, weaker performance improvement, staff burnout, and turnover. By defining clear volume thresholds for adding trauma program, registry, PI, education, and outreach staff, hospitals can support quality care, maintain compliance, and ensure long-term program sustainability.

Hospital leaders make difficult decisions in rural communities when assessing capacity to provide trauma, stroke, and cardiac care.

Intermountain St. Vincent Regional Hospital provides trauma care for isolated communities in Montana. Collaboration with Level I facilities is essential for smaller hospital in trauma deserts.

Should your rural hospital become a trauma center? The decision involves far more than meeting designation standards.

The trauma leaders who understand both clinical excellence and financial sustainability will be best positioned to build resilient programs that thrive in an increasingly challenging healthcare environment.

Obstetric trauma is not uncommon, but extreme OB trauma with emergency c-section is extremely rare, emotionally overwhelming, and clinically complex. Guidelines are essential in these rare situations.

What's In a Name? A breakdown of terms for trauma policies, protocols, and guidelines.

Becoming a verified trauma center is a complex, multi-year process that requires far more than simply treating injured patients. Hospitals must build specialized teams, develop trauma-specific protocols, collect extensive performance data, and demonstrate compliance with rigorous standards established by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). From provisional designation to final verification, each step involves significant planning, documentation, and continuous quality imp

Enhance trauma program management and the TMD-TPM partnership

Nearly fifteen years ago, I started working at a Level I trauma center.

Heather Tilton is an experienced trauma program manager.