Online Program

328035
Using state trauma registry data for system-wide performance improvement


Monday, November 2, 2015

Julia F. Costich, JD, PhD, Kentucky Injury Prevention & Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Svetla Slavova, PhD, Dept. of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Background/Purpose: Trauma registries are well-established in most states, but the state system reports are typically less complete than those generated within trauma centers and have limited usefulness for system performance improvement (PI).  Kentucky’s Trauma Advisory Council PI initiative added previously latent trauma registry data elements to statewide reporting with the goal of supporting system-wide PI.

Methods: We performed an extensive literature review, engaged in consensus criteria development, negotiated with the data management vendor to add previously latent data elements, and pilot tested specific PI metrics to develop benchmarks for annual statewide assessment.

Results/Outcomes: PI benchmarks have been developed and an initial assessment has been conducted.  Positive results included system-wide cooperation through articulation of shared objectives, identification of actionable PI opportunities, and agreement on additional data needs. We also identified challenges to the use of trauma registry data in its current form for trauma system PI, including delays in reporting and the incomplete achievement of statewide electronic emergency medical services reporting.

Conclusions: The typical array of state trauma registry reports does not include detail adequate to support system-wide PI, but identifying a modest range of additional data elements is a cost-effective approach to enhanced functionality.  As electronic health information systems are fully adopted and more timely reporting is feasible, this approach will move the state towards PI for the entire trauma system.

Learning Areas:

Communication and informatics
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe the steps needed to modify trauma registry data for support of performance improvement initiatives across a statewide system. Identify challenges to successful implementation of an initiative using trauma registry data for system-wide performance improvement.

Keyword(s): Performance Measurement, Data Collection and Surveillance

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the principal investigator for the state trauma registry grant that supported the research and have been a member of the state trauma advisory council, which was responsible for the work reported in the abstract, since it was established by statute.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.