IS TRAUMA AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO IDENTIFY AND TREAT NON-INJURY MEDICAL CONDITIONS IN YOUNG ADULTS?

Abstract

Trauma is often the first point of contact for many people into the healthcare system and serves as a large avenue for the diagnosis of chronic disease. Studies have shown that the screening and diagnosis of chronic disease in young adults is extremely limited, and the rate is much lower than that of older adults. This discrepancy is preventing young adults from receiving preventative care for these chronic illnesses. In many cases early detection and treatment is key to preserving quality of life and preventing long lasting side effects of chronic disease. The idea of investigating trauma situations to determine the presence of undiagnosed health issues resulting from disparities in preventative health and primary care could allow for insight into solutions for early detection of chronic disease. In the demographic of young adults, there is often not enough patient education or thought for screening at the primary care level to warrant further investigation into health problems that present as chronic disease.