Minimum data set (MDS) based trauma registry, is the data adequate? An evidence-based study from Odisha, India

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Trauma Surgery
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Societal costs of injuries are significant in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Accurate estimation of road traffic injury (RTI) severity and magnitude in India is hindered by data limitations.
• Existing data lacks detail on injury demographics, causes, severity, care processes, and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of establishing a sustainable trauma registry in Odisha, India.
• To characterize the demographics, injury mechanisms, severity, and outcomes of patients presenting to healthcare facilities.
• To identify challenges in trauma data collection for improved public health policy.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study was conducted at Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital (SCB-MCH), Cuttack, India.
• Data were collected for one month (June 2015) using the World Health Organization's Minimum Data Set (MDS).
• Observations focused on 33 variables, with data completeness ranging from 60% to 70%.

Main Results:

• The study analyzed 145 injury cases; 21% were female.
• Road/street injuries accounted for nearly 45% of cases, with RTIs comprising 36.6%.
• Head injuries were most common (44.1%) and severe, followed by neck and chest injuries. Mortality was 2.8% in the emergency department.

Conclusions:

• Significant challenges exist in obtaining complete injury data, particularly regarding admission, discharge, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores.
• Individual GCS scoring is recommended over total GCS scoring for trauma patients.
• Comprehensive trauma data collection is essential for informed policy decisions, injury prevention, and resource optimization.