The GOAL-Trauma Study
The GOAL-Trauma Study: Global Outcomes After Laparotomy for Trauma
An observational study assessing the global variation in patient characteristics, management, and outcomes in those undergoing trauma laparotomy
Trauma accounts for nearly 10% of all global deaths and the trauma laparotomy is the most commonly performed operation for abdominal trauma worldwide.
The Global Outcomes After Laparotomy for Trauma (GOAL-Trauma) study was led by the University of Cambridge and carried out by a global network of doctors and researchers.
It analysed data from 1769 patients treated in 187 hospitals across 51 countries and identified significant variations in investigations performed, interventions received, and overall patient outcomes across the globe
Read the full GOAL-Trauma Study flagship paper here
Key Study Findings
Patients in lower resource settings were three times more likely to die following a trauma laparotomy
There were significant disparities globally in the investigations performed and care received across the patient pathway
Only around half of patients returned home by 30 days to the same level of care they had before the injury
“The GOAL-Trauma study provides for the first time comparable global data on laparotomy for trauma, revealing that similar mortality rates can mask profound inequalities in care pathways. This information will help design more equitable trauma systems that are better adapted to local realities. It paves the way for strategies that can offer every patient, wherever they live, the best chance of survival and recovery”
Data Collection
All patients within each 30-day data collection period(s) at each recruiting hospital were included
Multiple data collection periods were possible at each recruiting hospital, with patients followed up for 30 days post-operatively (or until death or discharge)
All collected data was uploaded onto the secure online data collection form, REDCap
