Implementation of a Hospital-based Trauma Registry in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia: Methodology, Preliminary Results, and Lessons learned

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim Five million annual global deaths are attributable to injuries. Yet, a lack of reliable data leaves the true magnitude of injuries unknown in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), like Bolivia. Trauma registries provide a means of acquiring these data. We sought to evaluate methodology, preliminary results, and lessons learned during the implementation of a pilot, hospital-based trauma registry at one facility in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. Materials and methods Data collection occurred from January to September 2015 at Clínica Foianini, a private, 50-bed, third-level facility in Santa Cruz. A paper trauma registry form based on the Panamerican Trauma Society's (ATS's) essential elements model was utilized. Trained nurses completed forms at a trauma patient's initial hospital presentation. Results were analyzed via descriptive statistics. Results The registry produced 91 forms over 8 months. An ICD-10 diagnosis code search of hospital visits showed 2,816 eligible patients, with a registry capture rate of 3.2%. Most were males (59.3%) in their mid-20s with head contusions (19.8%), penetrating/lacerating upper extremity (11.0%) or head (7.7%) wounds, or upper extremity fractures (6.6%). Many forms were missing critical data, with average omissions of 12.5 per form (26.0% of questions) and 23.7 per question (26.0% of subjects). Errors averaged 1.0 per form (2.1% of questions) and 2.0 per question (2.2% of subjects). Conclusion Early efforts to implement a paper-based trauma registry at one Bolivian hospital highlight areas for improvement, mainly within education, training, and oversight. Lessons learned will inform long-term objectives to make the registry a standard hospital program across the city, and eventually throughout Bolivia, arming decision-makers with data for targeted trauma initiatives that save lives. Clinical significance These results provide insight into trauma registry implementation in LMICs, which serves to further inform the Bolivian program and can be applied to comparable initiatives in similar settings. How to cite this article Boeck MA, Blair KJ, Foianini JE, Perry HB, Mata LV, Aboutanos MB, Haider AH, Swaroop M. Implementation of a Hospital-based Trauma Registry in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia: Methodology, Preliminary Results, and Lessons learned. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2016;5(2):101-112.