Evaluation of trauma registry data in Asir Region

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and report trauma registry data; to assess the validity, reliability, and feasibility of the trauma registry; and to discuss lessons learned from this event.

METHODS: A pre-designed trauma registry data was used for all injured patients admitted to Asir Central hospital after being involved in a major motor vehicle accident. A survey team registered and analyzed the trauma registry data using the statistics software SPSS for windows.

RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were admitted to the hospital with different injuries. All victims were males with a mean age of 27 years. Injuries were dominated by musculo-skeletal trauma followed by neurotrauma, thoracic, and abdominal trauma respectively. Pre-hospital data was deficient and most of the hospital in-patient's information was taken from the nurse's notes. Standard elements of the trauma registry were found essential for optimal trauma care. Morbidity was related mainly to neurological trauma. Mortality was related to head injury followed by thoracic and abdominal injuries.

CONCLUSION: Trauma registry was valid, reliable, and feasible. A national trauma registry program should be established. Trauma registry, prehospital care, and disaster planning and management should be integral parts of a regionalized trauma care system. Successful trauma care systems have shown significant reductions in morbidity and mortality from trauma.