Prehospital management of traumatic brain injury patients--a gender perspective.

BACKGROUND: Studies show that there are differences between men and women when it comes to several aspects of health care. But the research on equal care in a prehospital setting for patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been sparsely investigated. The aim of this study is to describe prehospital care from a gender perspective.

METHOD: This is a retrospective study of (n = 651) patients (>15 years) with severe TBI requiring intensive care at a University Hospital in Sweden during the years 2000-2010. Outcome was measured by survival and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores at discharge.

RESULT: Our results show differences, though not significant, in the initial assessments and performed interventions between male and female TBI patients. Female patients received more assessments and performed interventions compared to men during prehospital care. Men received more interventions with I.V. fluid but significantly less airway interventions (endotracheal intubation) compared to female patients. More men were transported directly to neurosurgical specialist care as compared to females. No difference in outcome was found.

CONCLUSION: Our results show differences, however not significant in the assessments and performed interventions between gender, with female patients receiving more assessments and interventions compared to male patients during prehospital care. Future research should focus on gender differences in initial early signs of TBI to improve early identification.