Challenges to the Standardization of Trauma Data Collection in Burn, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, and Other Trauma Populations: A Call for Common Data Elements for Acute and Longitudinal Trauma Databases
Arch Phys Med Rehabil., 2019 · DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.10.004 · Published: May 1, 2019
Simple Explanation
This study examines whether different trauma databases collect the same information in the same way. The researchers looked at five trauma databases, including ones for burn injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. They found that there were inconsistencies in how data was collected, which makes it difficult to compare information across databases.
Key Findings
- 1Of the 30 data elements examined, 14 (47%) were present in all 5 databases.
- 2Twelve of the 14 data elements present in all 5 databases exhibited differences in data values.
- 3There were considerable differences in data values across the 5 databases as determined by the 3 reviewers.
Research Summary
Practical Implications
Improved Data Sharing
Standardized data elements would facilitate data sharing and collaboration among researchers.
Enhanced Research
Common data elements would allow for meta-analyses and comparisons of studies, maximizing research on trauma outcomes.
Better Patient Care
Harmonized data collection can improve outcomes and reduce the costs of innovative research, leading to better patient care.
Study Limitations
- 1No standard list of trauma databases or trauma data elements exists.
- 2This study is not necessarily representative of all trauma data collection methods.
- 3The databases chosen largely represent data elements collected in the United States in the English language. This limits the generalizability of the study’s findings.