Assessment of the Availability of Technology for Trauma Care in India

BACKGROUND: We sought to assess the status of availability of technology for trauma care in a state in India and to identify factors contributing to both adequate levels of availability and to deficiencies. We also sought to identify potential solutions to deficiencies in terms of health system management and product development. METHODS: Thirty-two technology-related items were selected from the World Health Organization's Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care. The status of these items was assessed at 43 small and large hospitals in Gujarat State. Site visits utilized direct inspection and interviews with administrative, clinical, and bioengineering staff. RESULTS: Many specific individual items could be better supplied, including many that were very low cost (e.g., chest tubes). Many deficiencies arose because of…