Background: Nursing care is a critical determinant of outcomes in emergency surgical trauma patients. These patients present with complex, time-sensitive needs requiring rapid assessment, coordinated intervention, and comprehensive physiological and psychological support. However, the specific components and overall effectiveness of structured nursing protocols in this high-acuity setting require ongoing evaluation. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured, comprehensive nursing intervention protocol on clinical outcomes, complication rates, and patient/family satisfaction among emergency surgical trauma patients. Methods: A prospective, quasi-experimental study was conducted at a Level I trauma center over 18 months. A total of 312 patients requiring emergency surgery for traumatic injuries were allocated into two groups: an Intervention Group (n=156) receiving care under a new, multifaceted nursing protocol (Trauma Nursing Effectiveness Protocol - TNEP), and a Control Group (n=156) receiving standard emergency surgical nursing care. The TNEP emphasized: 1) Triage and primary survey efficiency using a dedicated trauma nurse role, 2) A structured pre-operative preparation checklist, 3) Standardized intraoperative handover and warming protocols, and 4) A post-operative bundle focusing on early mobilization, pain management, delirium screening, and family engagement. Primary outcomes were time from Emergency Department (ED) arrival to operation, incidence of post-operative complications (surgical site infection, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis), and unplanned ICU readmission within 72 hours. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported pain scores, hospital length of stay (LOS), and satisfaction scores from patients and families. Results: The Intervention Group showed significant improvements across multiple metrics. The median time from ED arrival to surgery was reduced by 28 minutes (p<0.01). The composite rate of major post-operative complications was 18.6% in the Intervention Group vs. 31.4% in the Control Group (p<0.01), with significant reductions in pneumonia (5.8% vs. 12.8%, p=0.03) and surgical site infection (4.5% vs. 9.6%, p=0.05). Unplanned ICU readmission within 72 hours was lower (3.2% vs. 7.7%, p=0.06). Patients in the Intervention Group reported better pain control at 24 hours post-operation (p<0.05), had a shorter median hospital LOS (9 vs. 11 days, p<0.05), and provided significantly higher satisfaction scores regarding communication and overall care experience (p<0.001). Conclusion: The implementation of a structured, comprehensive nursing intervention protocol significantly improves the efficiency of care, reduces post-operative complications, and enhances patient satisfaction in emergency surgical trauma patients. This study underscores the vital role of organized, evidence-based nursing practices as a key driver of quality and safety in trauma care.
Keywords: Emergency Trauma Nursing; Surgical Trauma; Nursing Protocols; Patient Outcomes; Post-operative Complications; Quality Improvement; Trauma Center.

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