J Trauma
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On July 1, 1997, Arkansas became the first state in 14 years to repeal their adult helmet law. We examined the clinical and financial impact of this repeal. ⋯ Repeal of the mandatory helmet law was associated with an increase in the nonhelmeted crash scene fatality rate. After the repeal, there was a disproportionately higher admission rate for nonhelmeted motorcycle crash survivors. These patients had an increased use of hospital resources and poorer reimbursement of charges compared with their helmeted counterparts. This resulted in significantly higher unreimbursed charges. States considering repeal of their mandatory adult helmet laws should consider the potential negative financial impact on their health care system and the increased morbidity associated with nonhelmeted motorcycle riders involved in a crash.
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The intent of the study was to document initial experience with human patient simulation, using a full-scale computerized mannequin, in evaluating cognitive performance among junior surgery residents. ⋯ The human patient simulator is a valuable tool in critical care education, identifying weaknesses both in individual student performance and in program content.