Establishing hospital-based trauma registry systems: lessons from Kenya

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Trauma Care Systems
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Limited data exists on injury burden and care complications in developing nations.
• Hospital-based trauma registries are vital for understanding injury epidemiology and outcomes.
• The Bloomberg Global Road Safety Partnership initiated trauma registries in Kenya.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of trauma registries in three Kenyan hospitals.
• To identify challenges and lessons learned during the registry establishment process.
• To assess the role of registries in improving trauma care quality.

Main Methods:

• A standardized paper-based trauma surveillance form was developed collaboratively with local hospitals.
• Data collected included demographics, pre-hospital care, and clinical information for injury surveillance.
• Regular data quality reviews, meetings, and calls were used to optimize the process and address issues.

Main Results:

• Trauma registries were successfully implemented in three Kenyan hospitals, with potential for wider adoption.
• Challenges were encountered in planning, data collection, entry, and analysis, varying by site.
• Proactive problem-solving led to improved data quality and process efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Trauma registries are essential for defining injury burden and driving quality improvement in trauma care.
• Registry implementation in Kenya identified care gaps, leading to systemic improvements.
• The project demonstrated the feasibility and value of hospital-based trauma registries in resource-limited settings.