Objectives: The purpose of this study was to better understand the status of state trauma registries (or lack of such trauma registries) and the feasibility of establishing a national trauma-based surveillance registry based on existing state registries. Methods: Design: Two web-based surveys were used to collect the study data. Follow-up was conducted via phone for states that did not respond to the web-based survey. Measurements & Population: State EMS directors completed the first survey, which was designed to collect information regarding the basic structure and overview of their states’ trauma registry data. A second survey was administered to the state register responsible for the registry. Results: There was a 100% response rate from the states. Forty-four of 51 states make an effort to collect trauma data. Thirty-eight of 51 states use a common set of variables, which are unique to each state. Twenty-seven of 51 states use a common data collection tool. Forty-four states store the data electronically and 42 have a data dictionary. Thirty-one use ICD-9 coding as well as hospital admission as inclusion criteria. Thirty-two use the registry for quality improvement assessments. Conclusion: There is enough participation by states at a national level to suggest further support for development of a national trauma data collection system. Future challenges include differing inclusion and exclusion criteria, defining data definitions, using common electronic data format, and encouraging all states to participate in a national trauma registry.
Learning Objectives: Dialoge on establishing a consensus for a national trauma registry Use of an Web-Based survey
Keywords: Data/Surveillance, Data Collection
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Intermountain Injury Control Research Center
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee and student that worked on evaluating survey information