Development of hospital-based trauma registries in Africa: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Trauma registries improve trauma care systems, but their activity in the African region remains unknown. The aim of this systematic literature review was to describe the features of hospital-based trauma registries in Africa

Methods: The following = databases were searched: PUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and World Health Organization. Trauma registry characteristics, including processes, uses and challenges, were collected using a standard protocol.

Results: There were 41 articles included in the final analysis. Most studies were published between 2009 and 2017. Twelve were primarily about the establishment of the trauma registry. The most common area of focus was all trauma (n=22/41). Most trauma registries (11/12) were paper based. Six trauma registries were externally funded. Challenges included incomplete data and patient follow-up and under-reporting of trauma cases.

Conclusions: Few trauma registries exist in Africa. Most are paper-based and almost half depend on external funding. Data quality is a challenge.