Why Trauma Involves Many Issues

Presentations of trauma experienced by patients today are far more complex than seen in previous decades. Patients are impacted by catastrophic pandemics, a brutal economy, and health care teams experiencing critical states of vacancy and battle fatigue. All of these factors affect safety and patient outcomes. Providing expert trauma care from both a physical and mental health standpoint is essential to manage complex cases. A diverse, expert, multidisciplinary team is a fundamental component not only to trauma resuscitation, but towards recovery. This issue begins with the essentials of a healthy work environment and how to establish a dynamic, well-trained, multidisciplinary trauma team. Also provided are several articles highlighting how mental health, LGBTQ+ matters, and social determinants of health impact trauma outcomes. Rounding out the issue are articles exploring current trends in trauma obstetrics, geriatric frailty, and cutting-edge strategies to manage polytrauma. Holistic trauma care includes repairing and recovering the body, mind, and spirit. Trauma is often fraught with ethical dilemmas. Trauma-informed care is key in providing pathways toward recovery. But most importantly of all, the reader will realize that expert trauma care is all about the team. From the first responders, to the ER, to the OR, and on to the ICU, a successful multidisciplinary trauma team begins with a healthy work environment. Each member of the team must embrace their role to work collaboratively in delivering evidence-based care. As practicing critical care nurses and educators, we hope that you find meaning in the articles presented in this issue which examine management of the complexities within trauma today.