Trauma research in the United Arab Emirates: reality and vision

Eid HO, Lunsjo K, Torab FC, Abu-Zidan FM
Correspondence: Dr Fikri Abu-Zidan, fabuzidan@uaeu.ac.ae

ABSTRACT
Introduction Trauma is a major health problem in the United Arab Emirates, and it is the second leading cause of death. Research can help us find solutions for this problem. We evaluated the published literature on trauma from United Arab Emirates to define research areas which need improvement.
Methods A MEDLINE search for articles on trauma and injury from the United Arab Emirates covering the period 1960-2005 was performed. The content of articles was studied, classified and summarised.
Results 32 articles were found, of which 18 were published in the last six years. 18 articles were on prevention and epidemiology, ten on clinical management and four on education. The first author was affiliated to the university in 19 articles. There were no articles on pre-hospital care, experimental work, trauma systems, trauma registry or post-hospital rehabilitation.
Conclusion There is a need for a strategic plan to support research in areas like pre-hospital care, implementation of trauma systems, trauma registries and post-hospital rehabilitations to reduce the socioeconomic impact of trauma in the United Arab Emirates.

Keywords: injury research, road traffic accidents, strategic planning, trauma research
Singapore Med J 2008; 49(10): 827-830