BACKGROUND: In 1999, a National Firearm Injury Statistics System was launched with foundation funding to support local data gathering and to build a model national reporting system. A process evaluation of collaborating sites was conducted to assess implications for implementation of a National Violent Death Reporting System. METHODS: A telephone survey was conducted 15 months into the collaboration. Both open-ended and Likert scale items were designed to obtain perceptions of collaboration procedures and expectations; the contribution of the collaboration process to surveillance efforts; and assistance for future collaborators. RESULTS: 12 of 13 sites responded. Overall, procedures used for communicating with sites and building consensus were viewed as effective and the right frequency. These included a list serve, frequent conference calls, and inperson meetings. Suggestions for future improvements included: a website listing common questions and decisions; time for buy in by data suppliers; database training and approaching data suppliers; educational materials for data sources; promotional activities that reach local levels; a technical subcommittee to streamline consensus building; inclusion of ME's and police consultants on conference calls; development of an orientation manual for new staff; and site visits. Benefits of the collaboration process and lessons learned for building a national system will be presented. CONCLUSIONS: Dollars and attention to technical details are insufficient to build capacity for a successful violent death reporting system. Design components must include extensive technical assistance, training, frequent communication, advocacy, consciousness raising, and mechanisms to insure data uniformity and quality.
Learning Objectives: (1) To describe the essential, non technical components for implementing an injury surveillance system (2) To identify barriers and facilitators of a national injury surveillance effort
Keywords: Violence, Data/Surveillance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.