Improved Data Quality by Pen Computer–Assisted Emergency Room Data Recording Following Major Trauma

Abstract

Quality management is a decisive factor in optimizing the treatment of major trauma cases. In this context high–quality data recording is of fundamental importance. Regarding data quality, “on–line” – especially pen computer–based – recording techniques are favored. Up to now, however, there is no study really proving a higher quality of emergency room (ER) data by use of such a technique in comparison with a paper– based technique. In all major trauma cases a standardized ER data recording, using “TraumaWatch”, was performed; the study collective was divided into two subgroups: the “pen” collective using a pen computer– based technique and the “paper” collective using a paper–based technique. Data quality was defined as level of data completeness. A total of 207 major trauma cases underwent ER management. There was no statistically significant difference between the “pen” (n = 135) and the “paper” collective (n = 72) regarding gender, age, mechanism of injury, injury severity, and duration of ER management. There was no correlation between degree of injury severity and level of dataset completeness. Total dataset completeness was significantly higher within the “pen” collective (93.6% vs. 82.5%; p < 0.01); the same applies to the core dataset (Utstein style) completeness (97.3% vs. 91.3%; p < 0.01). Defining data quality as level of data completeness, a pen computer–based recording technique, which allows easy and fast – real–time – data acquisi acquisition during ER management, seems to be superior to the conventional paper–based technique.