References
Seasonal variations effect on trauma admissions: Myth or reality?
Abstract
It has been long hypothesised that the volume of trauma is related to the weather. This hypothesis has been strongly supported by various studies showing this relationship both in adult and paediatric populations. Projection of admission figures based on weather forecasting has the potential to become a significant tool in predicting the short to medium term workload and therefore improve the provision of emergency care. To achieve that, there is a need for more accurate weather forecasting and a better understanding of how weather affects workload. This would allow for evidence based changes in the allocation of resources.
Emergency services in England ranging from pre-hospital care all the way to intensive care capacity are always busy. Patient care requires an efficient and seamless service where demands can be met. Individual trauma events are unforeseeable events and, as such, predictions as to the volume of admissions over a particular calendar period are often difficult, making service planning and provision challenging and sometimes inefficient.
Healthcare professionals involved with trauma admissions (paramedics, emergency departments, trauma and orthopaedic services) have long been been aware of a repetitive annual pattern for trauma. There has been an admission influx during the summer months, when the weather is better and the sun shines for longer, and this is especially true for paediatric admissions. Hazardous weather conditions have also been linked to increased road traffic collisions and hence trauma. Furthermore, cold icy conditions make people more prone to accidents, both from road traffic collisions and from falls, especially in the elderly population. One can therefore hypothesise that weather and weather changes can be responsible for variations in trauma admissions. But the question remains as to whether evidence exists to support this?
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