JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Initiated in 2021, a Brazilian project has the objective of establishing a national injury registry that compiles comprehensive data on events and individuals nationwide, regardless of injury severity. The registry integrates information from pre-hospital and hospital care, various health systems lacking interoperability, and data from sectors such as firefighters and police. Its primary aim is to enhance health surveillance by providing timely, high-quality information that guides prevention strategies and informs policymaking. Additionally, the project seeks to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with injuries.

Objective:

This study investigates the effects of injury registry data on policymaking, hospitalization rates or duration, and mortality.

Methods:

The systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, with a protocol registered in PROSPERO. Five databases were searched in November 2023, with an update conducted in March 2024, incorporating reference lists from the studies included. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), resolving disagreements with a third reviewer. Studies were eligible if they reported results related to the implementation and use of injury or trauma registry data for at least one outcome of interest, while those based on other sources were excluded. Synthesis of results was presented in tables, and the observed effects were reported as number or percentage differences.

Results:

Out of 9,100 studies retrieved, 3,951 were excluded due to duplication, leaving 5,149 for selection, with 15 full texts reviewed. Only five studies met the inclusion criteria, highlighting a notable scarcity of research on the effects of registry data on injury outcomes. It's important to note that the studies included reflect correlations rather than causalities, and there are currently no publications on impact. The findings suggest that injury and trauma registries positively influence policymaking, which, in turn, enhances health outcomes. One study noted a 3-day reduction in intensive care unit stay and a 4.1% reduction in expected hospital mortality (from 22.8% to 18.7%) for patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16, while another showed a 42% annual decrease in traffic injury hospital admissions (from 45 to 16). Significant methodological heterogeneity and the small number of studies limited the feasibility of a meta-analysis.

Conclusions:

Establishing an injury registry in Brazil presents a significant opportunity to enhance health outcomes through informed policymaking. While the direct effects on morbidity and mortality may not be immediately evident, the registry's role in facilitating preventive measures and improving surveillance capabilities is invaluable.