Accuracy of administrative data in trauma

Background. Accurate data are needed to evaluate outcomes; therapeutics, an d quality of care. This study assesses the accuracy of administrative datab ases in recording. information about trauma patients. Methods. Patients with thoracic aorta injury were identified with a stare t rauma registry, and the medical records were reviewed. Data collected were compared to administrative data on patients with thoracic aorta injuries, a t the same hospitals in the same ti,ne period. Results. Fifteen patients (16.3 %) with thoracic aorta injury were not reco rded in the administrative database, and 23 patients (18.7%) were misdiagno sed. Ninety-one patients were found in both data sources. The administrativ e database significantly (P < .05) underrecorded abdominal injuries (50 vs 35), orthopedic injuries (117 vs 75), and chest injuries (77 vs 48). The nu mber of aortigrams (78 vs 8), type Of operative procedures ( use of graft; 70 vs 30), use of bypass (35 us 16), and complications (77 vs 33) were unde rreported (P < .05). The Injury Severity Score was underestimated by the ad ministrative database (38.65 +/- 12.41 vs 25.66 +/- 9.53; P < .05). Conclusions. Administrative data lack accuracy In thp recording of associat ed injury, injury severity, diagnostic, and procedural data. Whether these data should be used to evaluate treatment or quality of care in trauma is q uestionable.