The 2003 Index of Hospital Quality

The trauma indicator is dichotomous and derived from two variables in the AHA
database: whether the hospital has a certified trauma center in the hospital and
the level of the trauma center. To receive credit for trauma services, hospitals
must provide Level 1 or Level 2 trauma services in-hospital (as opposed to
providing trauma services only as part of a health system, network, or joint
venture). Level 1 trauma service is defined as “a regional resource trauma
center, which is capable of providing total care for every aspect of injury and
plays a leadership role in trauma research and education.” 4 Level 2 is defined by
the AHA as “a community trauma center, which is capable of providing trauma
care to all but the most severely injured patients who require highly specialized
care.” 4 Certification is required.
5) Discharge planning:
The three elements of discharge planning are patient education services, case
management services, and patient representative services. A service must be
provided within the hospital to receive credit.
6) Service mix:
This indicator ranges from 0 to 9 points and comprises alcohol/drug abuse or
dependency inpatient care, home health services, social work services,
reproductive health services, psychiatric education services, women’s health
center/services, and psychiatric consultation/liaison services. Services must be
provided within the hospital. As of 2003, hospice services were removed from
this indicator since they are accounted for in the hospice/palliative care indicator
and the maximum score for this indicator was therefore reduced from 10 points to
9 points.
7) Geriatric services:
This indicator ranges from 0 to 7 points and comprises arthritis treatment centers,
adult day care programs, patient representative services, geriatric services,
meals on wheels, assisted living, and transportation to health facilities. Again, to
receive credit for a service, it must be provided within the hospital.
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