In 2009 in Delhi, 7,516 road traffic crash victims were admitted to hospitals as unknown or unattended.

The aim of this study was to assess the morbidity and mortality of unknown or unattended patients and problems they faced relative to the provision of nursing care.

This is a retrospective analysis from February 2010 to August 2010 wherein all unknown or unattended patients with head injuries (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score = 1–15) admitted to the neurosurgery department were included. The duration of hospital stay, admission GCS, and outcome were assessed and an attempt also was made to analyze the problems faced by nursing personnel.

The total number of patients enrolled was 38. Of these, 22 were unknown, and 16 were unattended. The average hospital stay of unknown and unattended victims was 35 (1–151), and 21 (7–120) days, respectively. The mean GCS score of unknown patients upon admission was 9 (3–15), and during discharge, 8 (3–15). The mean GCS scores of unattended patients during admission and discharge was 12 (13–15) and 14 (3–15). respectively. Of the 22 unknown patients, 24% were identified during their stay, 33% were transferred to rehabilitation homes, and 43% died without being identified. Of the 16 unattended patients, 25% went home, 63% were transferred to rehabilitation homes, and 12% expired. The most common problems faced during nursing care were contractures (8%) and pressure sores (11%), due mainly to their long hospital stays.

Patients remaining unknown/unattended is a unique problem as far as developing countries are concerned. Managing these patients is difficult, as they occupy hospital beds for a longer duration, and require more nursing care, and have higher mortality and morbidity. It remains surprising that in spite of advancements in the field of mass communication, almost 76% of the unknown patients remain unidentified.