Using state trauma registry data for system-wide performance improvement

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.