Medicine

Women with brain injuries less likely to reach trauma centers

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A study analyzing Ontario health data found that female patients with traumatic brain injury are 26% less likely to be admitted to specialized trauma centers compared to male patients. This disparity remained significant even after controlling for variables including age, injury severity, comorbidities, and socioeconomic status. The research was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.


This finding reveals a potential gender-based inequity in access to specialized trauma care that could affect patient outcomes, as specialized trauma centers typically provide more advanced treatment options. The disparity suggests a need to examine triage protocols and referral patterns to ensure equitable access to appropriate care regardless of patient gender.


Female patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are 26% less likely to be admitted to a specialized trauma center than male patients, according to a study of data from Ontario published in Canadian Medical Association Journal. This difference persisted even after researchers accounted for factors such as age, severity of injury, other health conditions and socioeconomic circumstances.

Source: Female patients with traumatic brain injury less likely to be admitted to trauma centers