Injury has become a major worldwide threat, with an approximate mortality rate of 8 % [1], [2]. It is also the leading cause of death among individuals aged less than 40 years globally [3], [4]. In China, severe trauma accounts for approximately 700,000 deaths annually, making it the third leading cause of disease-related mortality after malignancies and cardiovascular diseases [5]. Severe multiple injuries (SMIs) refer to the dysfunction of at least two anatomical sites caused by a mechanical injury, with at least one injury posing a life-threatening risk [6]. The SMI is used to describe a condition in which an individual sustains multiple injuries or wounds of significant severity due to a traumatic event [6]. Due to the interaction of multiple injured organs leading to the progression of the inflammatory response, which can exacerbate organ dysfunction, SMI is characterized by heavy trauma, complex injuries, rapid progression, a high mortality rate, and numerous complications [7]. The estimated mortality rate for patients with SMIs in China is 33.87 % [8]. Therefore, reducing the mortality rate of patients with a SMI and improving their prognosis are crucial.

Currently, patients with SMIs are treated with the traditional specialist-based model (TSM) due to the lack of a fixed and uniform treatment model in China. However, specialists in the TSM only focus on their professional knowledge and lack an understanding of holistic trauma treatment, which can affect the final treatment outcome. Clinical practices in Europe and North America have shown that a multidisciplinary team-based treatment model (MDTM) and specialized trauma centres can ensure the effective treatment of SMI patients, reduce the rate of secondary injuries, and improve outcomes [9], [10]. The MDTM involves developing a standardized, individualized, continuous, and optimal treatment plan for a specific disease through regular, timely, and comprehensive discussions among a multidisciplinary expert team [11]. The MDTM is led by trauma specialists, with involvement from departments such as Imaging, Interventional, Operating Room, and Intensive Care Unit, to provide rapid, comprehensive, and efficient treatment. The implementation of MDTMs has been proven to promote the rational allocation of medical resources, improve the accuracy and rationality of disease diagnosis and treatment, and effectively address the challenges of complex medical treatment [12]. For example, Yang et al. conducted a prospective study using a laparoscopic-based score combined with a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach to predict optimal cytoreduction and provide personalized surgical treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer [13]. Their findings suggest that this approach helps identify specific patients who could benefit from secondary cytoreduction surgery while also offering a personalized surgical strategy within the context of MDTM management. Luo et al. reported two patients with malignant splenic tumours that were diagnosed and treated using MDTM. They found that involving multiple specialists in clinical multidisciplinary team discussions can reduce personal bias and generate important ideas that benefit all patients [14]. Liu et al. conducted a study involving patients diagnosed with advanced head and neck cancer and their caregivers utilizing the MDTM. They discovered that MDTM alleviated the suffering of both patients and their families, enhancing their quality of life when faced with life-threatening illness [15]. Compared to the TSM, which only focuses on emergency treatment and lacks inpatient follow-up, the MDTM places significant emphasis on treatment continuity. Once an MDTM team is formed, the therapeutic process is implemented and monitored until the treatment is completed.

In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of data from SMI patients to investigate the application value of MDTM in treating SMI patients in China, with the aim of optimizing management for this patient population.