TraumaCon 2025 - Agenda

Developed by the STN Leadership Development Committee, the Society of Trauma Nurses Leadership preconference is designed for trauma professionals who are interested in gaining knowledge in leadership principles, effective communication strategies and implementation of effective tools to change practice. The leadership preconference will be facilitated by experienced and knowledgeable leaders who have served in various roles within the trauma community. The leadership preconference is open to novice and experienced leaders who are seeking opportunities to effectively lead from the bedside to the boardroom and beyond.

The Big 4 on 4 Version 3.0 is the third installment of the STN’s TraumaCon Preconference Workshops! This session is designed for any trauma nurse, new or experienced, that is seeking to learn more about the everyday challenges in building and sustaining strong teams and processes to support data and performance improvement programs. These topics are designed based on what is happening here and now in our challenging healthcare environment. The presenters are experienced leaders in the field of trauma. The session is designed to include plenty of time for questions, discussions and sharing of best practices. You won’t want to miss this one!

TBI is a leading cause worldwide of death and disability across the lifespan. Trauma nurses play a key role ensuring TBI patients achieve optimal outcomes by knowing pathophysiology, assessment and evidence-based guidelines. This interactive international panel will discuss how practice guidelines and prevention programs differ across the globe. Guidelines and prevention programs involving pediatric, young to middle aged adult and geriatric age groups will be addressed. The panel will discuss and determine why some initiatives succeed and other don't as they try to develop a universal practice guideline.

• Mission Critical Medicine and The Last Mile Problem of Healthcare.
• The Challenges of Multidisciplinary Teams.
• Managing Yourself: Operating Under Pressure.
• More Than Just "Loud and Clear": Multidisciplinary High-Performance Comms.
• Residue and Walking the Hard Path.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the last mile problem of team-based healthcare as it applies to their positions.
• Identify concrete ways to improve their individual and team performance under pressure.
• Recognize critical barriers to effective multidisciplinary trauma team care.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the core principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and their impact on organizations.
• Examine common misconceptions and critiques surrounding DEI initiatives.
• Understand the historical and theoretical foundations of DEI.
• Debunk myths and misinterpretations about DEI policies and practices and differentiate between performative and authentic DEI efforts.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of various DEI strategies in different contexts.

Dr. Fox will be discussing the national epidemic of pediatric trauma and the impact trauma has on our youngest patients. She will highlight recent advances in pediatric trauma care and explore how caring for critically ill and injured children can impact the individuals who care for them.

The global multidisciplinary trauma community is a perfect example of 3 or 6 degrees of separation. We are usually only 3 or 6 connections away from a friend, or friend of a friend. It is serendipity that brings us together to attain common goals in building trauma systems and centers while allowing for global cultural and organizational differences. Through the global interconnectedness, strong professional relationships, and friendships form; all with the end goal of improving trauma patient outcomes.

Trauma remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, contributing significantly to the global burden of disease. Despite advancements in trauma care and increased awareness of its impact, there is a persistent gap in the knowledge, skills, and resources available to trauma nurses, especially in understanding and addressing the diverse challenges posed by trauma in different regions of the world. Trauma nurses within the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) play a critical role in delivering care to trauma patients, but there are disparities in practice that stem from variations in training, access to resources, and the ability to implement evidence-based practices across different healthcare settings. The professional practice gap exists in several key areas.

Appreciate and understand the unique perspectives of patient and family members’ experience in the traumatic health care setting. Provide enhanced and improved patient and caregiver experience during traumatic health care scenarios. Recognize and value the unique impact of emergency and trauma nursing care on patients, family and other stakeholders.

Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury (BCVI) refers to injuries to the vessels supplying blood to the brain, primarily carotid and vertebral arteries, and can result from trauma, resulting in stroke by vessel dissection, thrombus formation, embolization, and hemorrhage. Timely identification is crucial for effective intervention and improved outcomes. The performance improvement (PI) project proposes the implementation of universal screening using Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) of the neck during initial workup for blunt force trauma at Stormont Vail Health, a Level II ACS-verified trauma center. The primary objective is to mitigate potential delays in diagnosing and treating BCVI, thereby reducing the likelihood of complications. The implementation of universal screening with CTA neck for BCVI detection holds promise for advancing trauma care practices. This PI project provides evidence-based recommendations and insights to guide similar initiatives in trauma centers, improving patient outcomes, and reinforcing the commitment to excellence in trauma care.

Learning Objectives

• Prevalence of BCVI injuries in trauma patients.
• Impact of the utilization of Clinical Screening Criteria versus Universal CTA neck during initial trauma work up.
• Implications of BCVI on patients.

Patients with open fractures are at high risk of developing osteomyelitis which can result in severe complications and immense healthcare costs. Adherence to ACS Filter 13B, which requires administering antibiotics within 60 minutes of arrival, is essential to preventing these complications. A mid-Atlantic trauma center noted a sharp rise in non-adherence to 62 cases over the second and third quarters of 2023, highlighting a critical need for improvement. An interdisciplinary team identified gaps in knowledge, unclear guidelines, and lack of real-time tracking as contributing factors. Recognizing that educational interventions alone were insufficient, the team developed an ACS Filter guide, implemented real-time auditing, and provided feedback to team members. These initiatives led to a six-fold reduction in non-adherence to five cases by the first quarter of 2024, with only two classified as potentially preventable. This demonstrates that interdisciplinary efforts and systematic practice re-evaluation can effectively enhance adherence to improve patient safety.

Learning Objectives

• Attendees will state the importance of critically assessing and challenging existing protocols and assumptions to improve adherence to clinical guidelines, such as ACS Filter 13B.
• Attendees will develop skills to adapt to new processes and protocols, recognizing the importance of flexibility and openness in achieving better patient outcomes.
• Attendees will gain insights into creating robust auditing processes, including real-time data tracking and feedback loops, to monitor adherence and drive ongoing improvements in clinical practice.

Geriatric hip fractures are one of the most common injuries at our Level 3 trauma center. Identifying opportunities to improve the care of these patients has been the focus of our PI program for the past two years. Improvements have been made in pain control and time to OR metrics.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the significance of timely interventions in geriatric hip fracture care.
• Identify three key strategies implemented to improve geriatric hip fracture care.
• Apply best practices and lessons learned from the project to optimize hip fracture care in other Level 3 trauma centers.

Individuals who sustained a traumatic injury are 2 to 11 times more likely to report long-term opioid use (> 3 months) compared with the general population. Long-term therapy has also been linked with a 30% rate of opioid use problems, creating important physical, psychological and societal burdens in the trauma population. The aim of this study was to describe the barriers and facilitators to optimal opioid use in trauma patients and identify strategies to address them. We conducted four focus groups in three Canadian provinces including persons with lived experience, clinicians of interdisciplinary team, and decision-makers (n=28). Barriers and facilitators related to patients’ capability, opportunity and motivation were identified, which led to the selection of four intervention strategies: assessment of risk factors for opioid use problems, education to patients and family members, inter-facility communication, and reinforcement sessions on optimal opioid use in patients at risk for opioid use problems.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the problem of opioid use in the trauma population.
• Distinguish the barriers and facilitators to optimal opioid use in trauma patients.
• Discuss potential solutions to prevent opioid use problems in trauma patients.

This study investigates the impact of the number of trauma activation criteria (TAC) used by trauma centers on the frequency of highest-level trauma activations. Analyzing survey data from 36 trauma centers across 16 states together with trauma registry data, the study found wide variation in the number of TAC used. Despite the wide variation in TAC numbers among centers, the average activation rates did not differ significantly across different TAC groups. The study concludes that the number of TAC does not appear to influence activation rates, highlighting a need for further research to determine the optimal TAC for effective trauma care.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the relationship between the total number of discrete TAC and the frequency of highest-level trauma activations.
• Discuss whether the number of TAC is associated with the proportion or total volume of highest-level trauma activations at trauma centers.
• Discuss whether the number of TAC is associated with the proportion or total volume of highest-level trauma activations at trauma centers.

Management of children with blunt solid organ injury (SOI), based on the APSA consensus practice guidelines, at an urban free-standing level I pediatric trauma center were revised after a review (2017) found emergency department shock index, pediatric adjusted (SIPA) and hematocrit, safely decreased intensive care unit admissions for children with isolated grade IV SOI injuries. This research was done to evaluate the effectiveness of the revised admission criteria to determine ICU or floor level of admission for grade IV SOI.

Learning Objectives

• The participant will understand the correlation between a pediatric patient's shock index, pediatric adjusted (SIPA) and an intensive care unit level of intervention to determine admission disposition.
• The participant should be able to identify the different criteria for the management of solid organ injury related to blunt abdominal trauma in the pediatric patient.

Case study presentation describing patient transfers and support to manage patients through continued collaborative trauma system work between rural level IV and urban level I trauma centers. Will highlight the challenges and solutions in providing timely, effective care in the rural hospital and facilitating transfer and care to the higher-level trauma center when necessary. It will examine the multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach required between healthcare providers, emergency services, and trauma centers. Key issues addressed include limited resources, long transport times, need for rapid decision-making, and clear communication. The study underscores the importance of communication networks, and protocols to optimize patient outcomes. By focusing on real-life cases, it demonstrates how rural healthcare teams can successfully manage and transfer trauma cases through coordination, innovation, and cross-institutional support.

Learning Objectives

• Identify Key Challenges in Rural Trauma Care: Learners will identify common challenges faced in rural trauma settings, such as limited resources, extended transport times, and the need for rapid decision-making.
• Understand the Collaborative Trauma System: Participants will learn the critical role of collaboration between rural Level IV and urban Level I trauma centers, including the multi-disciplinary efforts needed to manage trauma cases and facilitate patient transfers.
• Analyze Case Studies for Practical Application: By reviewing real-life case studies, participants will gain insight into successful strategies for managing and transferring trauma patients through coordination, innovation, and cross-institutional support.

Pancreatic injuries can be difficult to diagnose, given their low frequency and the associated nonspecific symptoms, subtle imaging findings, and high likelihood of concurrent injury. The challenge does not end with diagnosis. While the pancreas is located in close proximity to the liver and the spleen, these injuries often do not follow the same straightforward clinical course of other blunt solid organ injuries. Case study will be utilized to highlight the mechanism of injury, clinical presentation, treatment, common complications, and outcomes for children sustaining traumatic pancreatic injuries.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss clinical presentation and diagnosis of blunt pancreatic injuries.
• Compare and contrast differences in management and outcomes for injuries based on whether the main pancreatic duct is involved.
• Review historical and recent trends in management of this relatively rare injury.

A comprehensive intervention strategy was devised to tackle elevated trauma mortality rates. The project included creating detailed geriatric ortho-trauma guidelines considering physician and nursing care pathways, informed by Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) best practices. These guidelines were extensively shared and discussed with relevant physicians and key medical stakeholders from emergency medicine, trauma, orthopedics, hospitalists, and critical care. Collaborative discussions were held with multidisciplinary physicians and frontline nursing committees to address perceived barriers and gain buy-in from the care team. Effectiveness was assessed through concurrent chart reviews, adherence checks during unit rounds, and case reviews by orthopedists or hospitalist teams. Monthly monitoring of Vizient metrics and communicating to section committees allowed for ongoing evaluation and refinement. Due to the enculturation of geriatric orthopedic guidelines and the creation of admission criteria, the geriatric orthopedic mortality rate was reduced by 67% from FY23 to FY24.

Learning Objectives

• How to implement a process to reduce mortality of a specific population.
• How to use national benchmark data to drive PI projects.
• How to create a multidisciplinary collaboration for process improvement.

Pressure injuries (PIs) are a frequent, global health issue that are often preventable, can be costly, painful, and may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Reducing PIs is an important focus area of healthcare quality initiatives. In fiscal year 2023 there were 37 PIs prevalent among our trauma patients admitted to the trauma-surgical ICU (TSICU). The TSICU Unit Council and leadership set out to reduce the prevalence of hospital acquired pressure injuries by 50% during the 2024 fiscal year. The quality improvement project consisted of multiple interventions focused on preventing hospital acquired pressure injuries. With a focus on prevention the TSICU was able to demonstrate a 46% reduction in pressure injuries, noting 20 PIs in fiscal year 2024.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the impact that pressure injuries have on the trauma population.
• Describe evidence based preventative measures to reduce the incidence of pressure injuries.
• Describe interventions to reduce the incidence of pressure injuries in the trauma population.

Trauma centers must demonstrate a process that provides IR intervention to trauma patients in need of hemorrhage control within 60 minutes. Initial review of the standard revealed a level 1 trauma center was non-compliant with the 60 minute requirement. A stakeholder group was formed to investigate patient through put and to identify opportunities and barriers. An algorithm was developed to define the emergent and urgent population criteria, develop an EMR smart phrase, and define EMR documentation expectations. The algorithm was introduced across the ED, IR, and trauma teams for education and awareness. Monitoring of algorithm compliance was built into the PIPS process to evaluate opportunities and barriers for meeting the standard. Pathway compliance was integrated into the trauma registry to document the IR process and continued feedback with stakeholders. This has resulted in improved times to IR sheath placement. The next step include optimization of the EMR order set.

Learning Objectives

• Identify patients meeting hemorrhage control criteria.
• Utilize information to develop a process for compliance for the ACS Standard 4.15.
• Describe an effective documentation process that demonstrates ACS Standard compliance.

Are you ready to move past the basics and take a deeper dive into interpreting and utilizing their TQIP data to drive meaningful improvements in trauma care? We’ll go beyond the surface, exploring how to interpret risk-adjusted benchmarking, decipher trends, and identify areas for targeted quality improvement initiatives. Through real-world examples, participants will learn how to translate their TQIP data into actionable insights, understand key metrics, and develop strategies for enhancing trauma system performance. Attendees will leave with practical tools and a clear roadmap for maximizing the value of their TQIP report to improve patient outcomes and streamline trauma care delivery.

Learning Objectives

• Interpret Key Metrics and Risk-Adjusted Data in TQIP Reports.
• Identify Actionable Trends and Quality Improvement Opportunities.
• Develop Data-Driven Strategies for Trauma System Improvement.

The ICU Liberation Bundle is a product of the Society of Critical Care Medicine designed to reduce ICU length of stay and Morbidity and mortality. Making patient care improvements to any element can lead to overall improvement in patient morbidity and mortality. In addition, the more elements optimized, the better patient outcomes can be achieved. An interdisciplinary workgroup was created to oversee the projects determined by sub teams focused on each element. An education plan was created and implemented for each element using the train the trainer with a super user model. A patient list was created in the EHR to provide real-time compliance information with bundle elements as well as EHR reports to show daily compliance. Reports were created in Tableau by data analysts to show overall bundle and individual element compliance over time. Reports are available for overall institution or individual unit.

Learning Objectives

• The participant will be able to describe the interdisciplinary workgroup / sub-team structure that comprise the overall workgroup and the roles and responsibilities of each group member. Explain the sharing of information between the workgroup and the ICU Committee and Hospital Leadership.
• The participant will be able to identify the interdisciplinary workgroup / sub-team structure that comprise the overall workgroup and the roles and responsibilities of each group member. Explain the sharing of information between the workgroup and the ICU Committee and Hospital Leadership.
• The participant will be able to define data elements needed for performance tracking.

Direct Peritoneal Resuscitation (DPR) is not a new concept but has recently become more prominent in the trauma community as its effectiveness in improving patient outcomes and reducing surgical complications has proven itself. We will review the history behind its origination as well as give an overview of the identified benefits of its use in clinical practice. We will describe the current process and management of a DPR patient in a surgical ICU at a very high volume and high acuity adult level one trauma center, including the indications and contraindications for the initiation. This discussion will round out by looking at new concepts for the use of direct peritoneal resuscitation in the organ donation process.

Learning Objectives

• Identify which patients will benefit from direct peritoneal resuscitation (DPR) and criteria for exclusion.
• Explain the management of a patient undergoing DPR.
• Discuss the advancement of the clinical use for DPR in the trauma population including in the organ donor patient.

Diaphragm pacemakers have been around since the 1960's and are used in patients with diaphragm weakness. They are typically placed months to years after injury or illness in the outpatient setting. Today, they are being placed during the acute care stay in high spinal cord injuries to help wean the patient off the ventilator. This session provides an overview of the device, those eligible for insertion, the insertion process, nursing care, alarm management, barriers to insertion and discharge, and patient outcomes using lecture, case studies, and hands on practice with the device.

Learning Objectives

• Describe what a diaphragm pacer is, how it works, and what patients' quality for placement.
• Discuss nursing care priorities and assessments for patients with diaphragm pacers.
• Discuss discharge barriers, patient outcomes and potential complications related to diaphragm pacing.

Venous injuries can be substantial and lead to significant hemorrhage and mortality. This lecture will discuss the more common venous injuries trauma nurses encounter with the chest, abdomen/pelvis and extremity injuries. An analysis of the operative and non-operative management practices for venous injuries will be reviewed. There will also be a discussion about the expected and unexpected complications that can occur as well as the long-term sequelae of the various treatment guidelines. The nursing care of venous injured patients will be reviewed as well as how to recognize and prevent the complications that can occur. Injury prevention programs for venous injuries will also be brought up.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the unique function of the venous system.
• Discuss the different types of operative and non-operative management of venous injuries.
• Discuss the nursing care of patients who have had a venous injury.

MaineHealth is piloting a new approach to reducing falls so that our communities are the healthiest in America. MaineHealth is the largest healthcare provider in Maine and is the National Program Administrator for the A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls Lay Leader program. (MOB). MOB is an evidence-based fall prevention program that has been proven to interrupt the fear of falling cycle and reduce the fear of falling, increase fall prevention self-efficacy, and increase activity levels for older adults. MOB was translated to be delivered remotely during the pandemic and now MaineHealth is building the infrastructure to provide this virtual program to all patients that screen at risk for falls. This presentation will illuminate how building the CDC STEADI Toolkit into the EMR and having an evidence-based virtual intervention for patients is closing the gap for rural and urban patients to avoid falls. Pilot outcomes will be shared.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the pilot outcomes of integrating the STEADI Toolkit in the EMR and screening all patients at the Annual Wellness Visit for Falls.
• Explain outcomes of offering A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls virtually to patients that screen at risk for falls.
• Learn patient demographic information of program participants to understand urban and rural reach.

Fun-filled, comprehensive review of traumatic brain injuries with gross anatomic and radiographic representations. The presentation will include a discussion of the physiology, signs and symptoms, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries with concomitant intracranial hypertension and brain herniation

Learning Objectives

• Name the five types of intracranial hemorrhages resulting from traumatic injury and describe three types of brain herniation and symptoms associated with each type.
• List the four causes of secondary brain injury, and explain the clinical impact of these factors.
• Explain the signs and symptoms, monitoring, and treatment of intracranial hypertension and discuss of indications for decompressive craniectomy.

The Trauma Performance Improvement (PI) Process focuses on collaboration between individuals and departments to achieve the desired outcome. It is often complex and time sensitive while focusing on the needed advancements. Trauma centers are challenged with timely reviews that evaluate such things as metric thresholds, guideline updates and compliance, meaningful PI documentation that is often detailed, and identification of events/opportunities for improvement. As trauma centers volumes and workloads intensify, the ability to perform in-depth PI places centers at risk for demonstrating ineffective PI. ACS standard 4.35 requires 1 FTE for the first 1000 registry entries then suggests that the center adjust PI resources based on the center volume and need. There is no further guidance or metric to justify these resources. This session will discuss varies strategies to leverage how to evaluate and advocate for resources.

Learning Objectives

• Define the roles and responsibilities of the PI coordinator to support adequate resources.
• Demonstrate how trauma PI can have impact across the organization.
• Describe strategies used to build justification for FTE resources.

To provide high quality and efficient APP practice, best practices will be reviewed within the context of the trauma team-based specialty. Advanced practice providers have become necessary partners to surgeons and nurses in the care of patients after injury. It is critical that hospital systems, surgeon leaders, nursing leadership and APPs are aware of best practices for APPs in trauma team-based specialties. Clear role definition, appropriate onboarding and education, and the right scope of practice for APPs are the fundamentals for recruiting and retaining APPs within a practice. These practice aspects will be reviewed in addition to discussing billing and coding for APPs, APP productivity, and professional development through advancement models.

Learning Objectives

• Through professional development models, the learner will demonstrate an understanding of the best practices for defining the role of an APP in Trauma to improve retention at institutions of various levels of trauma verification.
• The learner will be able to identify best practices for education and onboarding of the advanced practice provider that can be implemented in their trauma program.
• The learner will appraise facilitators and barriers to the advancement of APP scope of practice and skills APPs can offer in their area of practice and define strategies to overcome identified barriers, especially those related to APP productivity and billing/coding.

Quality assurance frameworks are gradually becoming very vital to the growth and survival of higher educational institutions which primarily serve as a mechanism for the enhancement of competitiveness and organizational viability. Studies have shown that internationally renowned education institutions are concerned with the sustainability and maintenance of caliber, reputation, and quality of their curricula. Regardless of exact program design, the level of quality of program is essential to monitor to ensure adequate performance and effectiveness. The criteria that are relevant to the evaluation of quality depend on the purpose of use, the relevant environmental protection policies and the market requirements.

Learning Objectives

• The attendees will be able to develop and implement comprehensive program evaluation tools based on the introduction of evaluation frameworks that will help them to assess the effectiveness, relevance, and impact of trauma education programs on clinical practice and patient outcomes.
• Help trauma nurses at all level understand how to establish mechanisms to assess the application of trauma management skills ensuring the effectiveness of the knowledge gained during trainings they provide.
• The attendees will be able to create structured feedback loops from program participants and clinical outcomes to identify areas for improvement.

This session will provide an update on ATCN globally. An overview of where ATCN is to date - how many classes have been conducted nationally and internationally. The 9th edition revisions - what to expect, with potential timeline for implementation of the new edition will be presented and discussed. An overview of the sister site program will also be presented.

Learning Objectives

• At the conclusion of the session, the learner will self-report an increase in knowledge of ATCN activities globally.
• At the conclusion of the session the learner will self-report increased knowledge in expected changes for the 9th edition of the ATCN provider manual.
• Upon conclusion of the session, the learner will self-report an understanding of the timeline and implementation of the 9th edition ATCN provider and faculty manual.

Clinicians are aware of the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for critically ill medical patients. This presentation will look at the successful use of ECMO for three critically injured trauma patients leading to their survival and discharge. A review of principles, criteria for use and course of care will be discussed utilizing case studies.

Learning Objectives

• The participant will describe characteristics of a trauma patient that would benefit from ECMO.
• The participate will be able to compare and contrast the difference between treatment regimens for a trauma patient on ECMO and a trauma patient managed without ECMO.
• The participant will be able to discuss the multidisciplinary team required for the trauma patient on ECMO.

Burns are one of the most common traumatic injuries worldwide. Due to limited access to burn centers throughout the United States, it is important that all frontline providers have a baseline understanding of initial burn presentation and management. This presentation will discuss pathophysiology of burn injury, key principles to initial management and fluid resuscitation, and further discussion on surgical techniques used for burn injuries.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss skin anatomy and types of thermal burn injury.
• Identify size and depths of burn injury.
• Discuss wound care strategies for small-medium (<10 % TBSA) burn injuries.

This presentation explores the emerging role of AI in revolutionizing trauma care. We'll examine how machine learning algorithms are enhancing rapid triage decisions, improving diagnostic accuracy in trauma imaging, and optimizing treatment plans for critical injuries. Key topics will include:

• AI-powered triage systems for mass casualty incidents
• Machine learning in trauma radiology for faster, more accurate diagnoses
• Predictive models for complications and outcomes in trauma patients
• AI-assisted decision support tools for trauma teams
• Ethical considerations and challenges in implementing AI in high-stakes trauma scenarios

We'll discuss real-world applications, current limitations, and future possibilities of AI in trauma care. This presentation aims to provide trauma professionals with a comprehensive understanding of how AI is shaping the future of emergency medicine and critical care.

Learning Objectives

• Identify key applications of AI in trauma care, including triage systems, imaging interpretation, and predictive modeling.
• Evaluate the potential benefits and limitations of integrating AI technologies into existing trauma protocols.
• Discuss strategies for effectively implementing AI tools to improve decision-making and patient outcomes in trauma settings.

Forensic Nursing is a genre of nursing that is not well known or understood to most practicing in the hospital setting. This presentation will show how forensic nurses can be utilized in the trauma setting and what their main role is in the hospital.

Learning Objectives

• The learner will understand the role of the forensic nurse as it relates to the hospital setting.
• The learner will be able to recount specific populations the forensic nurse expertise can assist in.
• The learner will know how to best work with their forensic nurses/forensic team.

Emergency Medical Service (EMS) systems are implementing prehospital blood programs as a tool to combat hemorrhagic shock. Unlike other prehospital clinical interventions, prehospital whole blood programs require a multidisciplinary approach to overcome the barriers to implementation. As leaders, nurses can collaborate with EMS and blood bank partners to develop a systematic approach to ensure patients can access this lifesaving intervention. This moderated panel presentation brings together nursing and blood banking experts to highlight successes in bringing prehospital blood transfusions to their communities. Individual speakers will address national and statewide efforts, blood product supply and stewardship, and one trauma center's journey to implement a prehospital whole blood program as a rotation center.

With an increasing number of EMS agencies carrying blood, awareness of how to overcome barriers to program implementation and sustainment is needed. Speakers will address key partnerships, describe funding, data collection, address stumbling blocks, and highlight case study examples.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the role of the nursing leader in pre-hospital whole blood implementation.
• List one challenge faced by blood banks when implementing a whole blood program.
• Identify one benefit of being a whole blood rotation center.

Recently there has been an accumulation of new findings concerning hemostasis that led to enhanced understanding and treatment of trauma-induced coagulopathy, which is an inflammatory response to hemorrhage and leads to coagulopathy, acidosis and hypothermia, known as the “Lethal Triad.” Calcium has come to the forefront as an essential electrolyte that is lost during resuscitation and has been added to the “triad,” now the “Diamond of Death,” and will be highlighted in this session. These findings coincide with the modification to the ABCs of resuscitation to xABCs where circulation is first. Based on military and civilian research there is a revised interest in the use of whole blood resuscitation that is now recognized to be effective in the treatment of bleeding patients in pre-hospital and hospital settings. The pros and cons of using whole blood will be addressed. Adjustments in the dosing of current medications that support hemostasis are reviewed.

Learning Objectives

• Evaluate the management and prevention of complications in patients diagnosed with Trauma-Induced Coagulopathy.
• Incorporate current evidence-based guidelines in the use of three medications that support hemostasis in the trauma population.
• Demonstrate knowledge from the evidence-based guidelines for the safe administration of whole blood products during a hospital trauma resuscitation.

With an increasing number of transgender individuals worldwide, trauma nurses are more likely to care for patients who have completed or are in the process of medical gender transition. Knowledge of the unique health care needs and possible alterations in anatomy is critical to appropriately and optimally treat transgender trauma victims. This presentation is case-study based and will discuss considerations of cross-gender hormones and alterations of the craniofacial, laryngeal, chest, and genital systems. It will also highlight the complex psychological needs of this patient population.

Learning Objectives

• Identify reasons why LGBTQ people are disproportionately at risk for poor health outcomes based on health determinants.
• Verbalize strategies to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ trauma patients.
• Describe possible anatomical alterations that may complicate the trauma assessment and treatment.

The Geriatric Committee Chair and Co-chair present the Pitfalls and Pearls of Geriatric care. In this session we will discuss the pathophysiological differences in the geriatric patient and why these differences can be a challenge in the trauma room. The new Trauma Quality Improvement Guidelines released in November of 2023 will also be outlined we will also cover case studies, preventative and outreach opportunities. An interactive case study will go through a geriatric case. Our goal is to spark a change in the way your facility approaches trauma care for geriatric patients.

Learning Objectives

• Acknowledge geriatric population needs specialty care.
• Identify at least 3 physiological/anatomical differences in the geriatric patient.
• Identify at least 3 pitfalls of geriatric care.

This interactive session will delve into practical lessons learned from implementing pediatric readiness, focusing on effective communication strategies, breaking the implementation into manageable steps, and developing role-specific training. Participants will gain insights from real-world experiences and engage in activities to apply these lessons to their own settings.

Learning Objectives

• Apply effective communication strategies learned from successful pediatric readiness implementations.
• Develop a step-by-step approach to implement the pediatric readiness framework in their own facilities.
• Design role-specific training plans to support the implementation process.

Learn about explosive disaster and blast trauma with an overview of bomb activity and components of improvised explosive devices (IED). Next a discussion of explosion components will be discussed. A detailed overview of blast force injuries as well as medical response to blast injuries including soft tissue injuries, burn injuries, vascular injuries, bone injuries, and body cavity injuries will be presented. Last, a conversation about previous blast trauma events will be presented with lessons learned.

Learning Objectives

• 90% of participants will be able to self-report an increase in knowledge of an explosive disaster event with blast trauma.
• 80% of participants will be able to correctly list one indicator of a homemade explosive component, correctly identify one product that can be used in bombs as shrapnel or fragmentation.
• 80% of participants will be able to correctly define an injury pattern from a secondary blast injury.

Advanced Trauma Program Management (ATPM) Course, designed specifically for seasoned Trauma Program Managers (TPMs). Course Highlights:

• Advanced Training: Tailored for TPMs with 3-5 years of experience, especially those who have completed a full survey cycle.
• In-Depth Learning: Covers the Six Performance Domains of Trauma Program Management, ensuring comprehensive mastery in:
• Continuum of Trauma Care
• Professional Issues
• Human Resources Management
• Management of Physical and Financial Resources
• Public Relations, Advocacy, and Marketing
• Project Management
• Pre-Requisites: Ideal for attendees who have completed STN TOPIC and Optimal courses, ATS TPMC, and both TCAA Basic and Advanced Trauma Center Finance and Business Courses—or those with equivalent experience.

The STN Optimal Trauma Center Organization & Management Course (OPTIMAL) is a comprehensive program led by experienced physicians and nurses, specifically aimed at enhancing the overall system of care within trauma centers and ultimately improving patient outcomes. Whether you are part of a verified, established trauma center or a hospital in the process of seeking designation, this course is tailored to equip participants with the necessary tools to develop effective strategies, processes, and operational frameworks that align with the unique needs of their specific environments.

Throughout the course, participants will engage in in-depth discussions and practical exercises designed to foster collaboration and innovation in trauma care management. The curriculum covers critical topics such as organizational structure, resource allocation, quality improvement initiatives, and the integration of evidence-based practices into everyday operations. By focusing on these areas, the course aims to empower trauma medical directors, trauma program managers, coordinators, and administrators with the knowledge and skills to drive excellence within their institutions.

An 8-hour intensive course that features presentations from expert speakers. This in-person course dives deep into the body of knowledge in trauma nursing, covering topics that span the entire continuum of care, from injury prevention and acute management to rehabilitation and reintegration into the home. With a focus on real-world application, this live session provides a unique opportunity to engage with seasoned professionals, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of trauma nursing in a collaborative environment.

The STN Trauma Outcomes and Performance Improvement Course (TOPIC) course is taught to all members of the trauma system team who participate in the ongoing assessment, evaluation and improvement of trauma care. The Society of Trauma Nurses has developed TOPIC in response to the need for education and better understanding of the Performance Improvement process in trauma care. TOPIC focuses on the ongoing assessment of the continuum of trauma care with a structured review of process and discussions of strategies to monitor trauma patient outcomes.

The TOPIC course is taught in a one day interactive Modular Format, customized to best meet the needs of the individual trauma care provider participants who have varying levels of experience with trauma performance improvement. The course offers practical application for all Levels of trauma centers, from entry level to mature phase of program development. The Modules are taught with a focus on didactic, operational definitions, sample tools, case study examples and take home points.