A study on head injury in children is the principal project within CMACE’s national child health enquiry for 2009-2012. Traumatic head injury is the most common cause of morbidity, mortality, disability and lost years of productive life in children. To date there has not been a national study that is specific to head injury in children which tracks the care pathway from scene of injury to intensive care treatment and the CMACE study therefore promises to make a major contribution to the care of this patient group.
The management of head injury in children involves specific challenges which require their own in depth investigation if outcomes are to be improved. Children’s care needs are very different to those of adults and in addition vary depending on the age of the child. The aim of the head injury in children study is to therefore build up the evidence base concerning how early management of head injury in children affects health outcomes and to identify avoidable factors associated with adverse outcomes.
The enquiry will include:
- a national survey of all Ambulance Service (PDF) and Acute NHS Trusts (PDF) (Word) to ascertain current policy, protocols and practice in the pre-hospital and hospital management of head injury in children.
- collection of core data on children (up to 15 years old) admitted to hospital with an isolated head injury or a head injury as part of a pattern of injuries over a six month period between 1st September 2009 - 28th February 2010.
- confidential enquiry panels on a sample of cases between July 2010 - September 2011 (click here for further information)
The project is expected to run from 2009 - 2012. Information leaflets, guidance and posters for units are available to download below.
Become a chair or an assessor on a confidential enquiry panel (click here for more details)
Information for Local Enquiry Coordinators (LEC) (click here to go to LEC page)
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For further information on the project please click here or contact Rosie Houston on 020 7467 3223. |