[Quality assurance in traumatology--initial experiences with a computer program for the selection of trauma patients...

Trauma is the leading cause of death in the under thirties age group in Switzerland and the third leading cause in the 30-64 age group. In addition to efforts in the area of prevention, optimization must also be attained in individual medical care in order to reduce mortality and morbidity. Improvements are only possible, however, when based on precise knowledge of accident epidemiology and possible weak spots in the rescue chain, which begins at the scene of the accident and ends with discharge from hospital. This information should be complied for our region with the aid of a trauma register on the basis of internationally recognized elements. The following comments describe in a shortened form the CDC-Register (Centers for Disease Control, USA). Using our own initial experiences, the practical application and use of the corresponding Register-Software ("Trauma registry", Version 2.0, 1990) for conferences on mortality and morbidity, the basic guarantee of quality, are demonstrated.