Heterogeneity in Self-Reported Management of Blunt Chest Trauma: An International Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background

Blunt chest trauma is common, but reported management practices may differ across clinical settings. This international cross-sectional survey evaluated self-reported practice patterns in the diagnosis and management of blunt chest trauma.

Methods

We distributed a self-administered web-based questionnaire to healthcare professionals involved in chest trauma care between November 2024 and August 2025. Responses were analyzed descriptively, and exploratory comparisons were performed between Italian respondents and respondents from other participating countries.

Results

A total of 509 responses were included, comprising 225 Italian and 284 international respondents. Within the participating sample, differences between Italian respondents and respondents from other participating countries were observed in institutional protocol availability, diagnostic imaging choices, pain management organization, adjunctive therapies, and factors guiding rib-fracture management. Greater consistency was observed in chest tube placement and escalation of respiratory support.

Conclusions

Substantial heterogeneity in self-reported blunt chest trauma management was observed among participating clinicians, particularly regarding institutional protocols, diagnostic strategies, pain management, adjunctive therapies, and rib-fracture management. Greater consistency was observed in core interventions such as chest tube placement and escalation of respiratory support. Given the voluntary sampling strategy and unequal geographic representation, these findings should be interpreted as patterns within the participating sample rather than as representative estimates of national or global practice.