Preparedness for treating injured patients at a single-centre trauma hospital in Ethiopia: a qualitative study

Background Across the world, a disproportionate amount (90%) of injury-related deaths and disabilities occur in Global South countries where one-third of injury deaths could be prevented. In most Global South countries, there is varying availability of resources, and many hospitals lack important eq...

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Main Authors: Helina Bogale Abayneh, Stine Engebretsen, Kristin Halvorsen, Stein Ove Danielsen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-12-01
Series:Global Health Action
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2025.2540669
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author Helina Bogale Abayneh
Stine Engebretsen
Kristin Halvorsen
Stein Ove Danielsen
author_facet Helina Bogale Abayneh
Stine Engebretsen
Kristin Halvorsen
Stein Ove Danielsen
author_sort Helina Bogale Abayneh
collection DOAJ
description Background Across the world, a disproportionate amount (90%) of injury-related deaths and disabilities occur in Global South countries where one-third of injury deaths could be prevented. In most Global South countries, there is varying availability of resources, and many hospitals lack important equipment, some of which is inexpensive. Objective To explore the perceptions of the staff regarding the preparedness of handling traumatic injuries at Addis Ababa Burn Emergency and Trauma Hospital in Ethiopia. Method A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. The sample pool included a diverse group of professionals who work in various roles within the hospital where the interview and data generation were conducted in early 2023. The interviews were analyzed using the reflexive thematic analysis approach outlined by Braun and Clarke. Results Resident doctors, who bear the primary responsibility for patient care, often face delays in decision-making, which contribute to procedural backlogs and extended patient stays. A significant challenge was identified in the availability, maintenance, and procurement of medical equipment, alongside shortages and inconsistencies in the supply of medicines and materials. A notable knowledge and skill gap among healthcare professionals was observed, compounded by the absence of a standardized trauma response team. Furthermore, the interview clarifies that there is a substantial gap and significant challenges in quality of service and standardization. Conclusions There are significant gaps in terms of hospital preparedness for caring for injured patients, and these lacks can lead to delays in treatment and poor clinical outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-894c4bcc6c164d63b7c761ce9ef2c97f2025-08-20T03:44:50ZengTaylor & Francis GroupGlobal Health Action1654-98802025-12-0118110.1080/16549716.2025.25406692540669Preparedness for treating injured patients at a single-centre trauma hospital in Ethiopia: a qualitative studyHelina Bogale Abayneh0Stine Engebretsen1Kristin Halvorsen2Stein Ove Danielsen3Oslo Metropolitan UniversityOslo Metropolitan UniversityOslo Metropolitan UniversityOslo Metropolitan UniversityBackground Across the world, a disproportionate amount (90%) of injury-related deaths and disabilities occur in Global South countries where one-third of injury deaths could be prevented. In most Global South countries, there is varying availability of resources, and many hospitals lack important equipment, some of which is inexpensive. Objective To explore the perceptions of the staff regarding the preparedness of handling traumatic injuries at Addis Ababa Burn Emergency and Trauma Hospital in Ethiopia. Method A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. The sample pool included a diverse group of professionals who work in various roles within the hospital where the interview and data generation were conducted in early 2023. The interviews were analyzed using the reflexive thematic analysis approach outlined by Braun and Clarke. Results Resident doctors, who bear the primary responsibility for patient care, often face delays in decision-making, which contribute to procedural backlogs and extended patient stays. A significant challenge was identified in the availability, maintenance, and procurement of medical equipment, alongside shortages and inconsistencies in the supply of medicines and materials. A notable knowledge and skill gap among healthcare professionals was observed, compounded by the absence of a standardized trauma response team. Furthermore, the interview clarifies that there is a substantial gap and significant challenges in quality of service and standardization. Conclusions There are significant gaps in terms of hospital preparedness for caring for injured patients, and these lacks can lead to delays in treatment and poor clinical outcomes.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2025.2540669trauma carereadinesslimited resourcelow-income countryquality of care
spellingShingle Helina Bogale Abayneh
Stine Engebretsen
Kristin Halvorsen
Stein Ove Danielsen
Preparedness for treating injured patients at a single-centre trauma hospital in Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Global Health Action
trauma care
readiness
limited resource
low-income country
quality of care
title Preparedness for treating injured patients at a single-centre trauma hospital in Ethiopia: a qualitative study
title_full Preparedness for treating injured patients at a single-centre trauma hospital in Ethiopia: a qualitative study
title_fullStr Preparedness for treating injured patients at a single-centre trauma hospital in Ethiopia: a qualitative study
title_full_unstemmed Preparedness for treating injured patients at a single-centre trauma hospital in Ethiopia: a qualitative study
title_short Preparedness for treating injured patients at a single-centre trauma hospital in Ethiopia: a qualitative study
title_sort preparedness for treating injured patients at a single centre trauma hospital in ethiopia a qualitative study
topic trauma care
readiness
limited resource
low-income country
quality of care
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2025.2540669
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AT kristinhalvorsen preparednessfortreatinginjuredpatientsatasinglecentretraumahospitalinethiopiaaqualitativestudy
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