A survey of trauma registrars: job requirements, responsibilities, recruitment, and retention

Study purpose was to describe trauma registrar job requirements, responsibilities, and recruitment/retention practices. An online survey was used. One-third required a high school diploma; two-thirds required a college degree. Most required skills were medical terminology (66%), database management (65%), anatomy (64%), Word (63%). Data responsibilities included abstracting, entry, coding, and validating. Few employers required certification. Twenty-six percent reported problems with recruitment, and 35% with retention. Salary and lack of advancement were primary reasons for employee turnover. Certifications were less relevant than skills; the primary focus was data management. Recommendations for recruitment/retention include job flexibility, educational opportunities, and recognition as a profession.