Study exposes gender bias in traumatic brain injury treatment across Ontario hospitals

A new study has revealed significant differences in how male and female traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients are treated in Ontario, Canada. Researchers analysed hospital data over an 11-year period, uncovering disparities in admission rates to specialised trauma centres. The study examined 55,606 TBI patients hospitalised in Ontario between April 2009 and March 2020. Female patients were, on average, older than males, with a median age of 78 compared to 67. Their injuries were also more frequently linked to low-energy incidents, such as ground-level falls.

Despite this, only 26% of female TBI patients were admitted to specialised trauma centres, compared to 38% of males. The findings suggest unconscious bias may be influencing clinical decisions. The authors also noted that female patients are underrepresented in TBI research, limiting insights into how trauma affects different sexes. The study calls for more targeted research into sex, gender, and clinical decision-making in trauma care. It also urges the development of standardised triage protocols that account for sex- and gender-specific factors. As populations age and TBI cases rise, these findings have global implications for improving trauma systems.