There are growing problems with the supply of trauma surgeons and/or willingness to participate in trauma care. Solutions proposed include use of non-surgeon providers and the development of an Acute Care Surgery model to enhance attractiveness of training in the field. We propose that immediate modification of clinical operations within trauma centers may address some of these problems and improve patient care and safety. The use of structured shift-work models with efficient systems for communication and hand-off may improve work-force utilization and vitality both in the near and far term.

Citation: Grossman MD. Workforce, work-hours, workforce vitality: Towards new models of trauma coverage. OPUS 12 Scientist 2008;2(3):1-2.

Keywords: Trauma, Work-hours, Workforce vitality, Clinical coverage models, Shift work.

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