Injury surveillance in children--usefulness of a centralised database of accident and emergency attendances.

• DOI: 10.1136/ip.1.3.173
• Publication Date: 2008-10-04T18:27:03Z
• Authors: R. A. Lyons; S. V. Lo; M. Heaven; B. N. Littlepage
• Keywords: Wales; Data Collection; Incidence; 610; Child Welfare; Infant; Ambulatory Care Information Systems; 03 medical and health sciences; Accident Prevention; 0302 clinical medicine; Databases as Topic; Accidents, Home; Risk Factors; Child, Preschool; Linear Models; Humans; Wounds and Injuries; Child; Emergency Service, Hospital; Mathematical Computing

To assess the usefulness of a centralised injury database in monitoring progress towards nationally set health targets for reduction childhood injuries.West Glamorgan County, Wales.Analysis was undertaken data held West which amalgamates population with from three hospital units covering 370,000. All first attendances due to new children aged 0-14 occurring 1993 were analysed, subgroup analysis injuries home and resulting fractures. Standardised ratios compared distance travelled, car ownership, Townsend index deprivation at ward level, using multiple linear regression.A total 10,117 time visits recorded, representing rate 182 injuries/1000 County. Distance accident emergency departments inversely correlated attendances, home, but not Visit rates any type associated local ownership or indices.Proximity is strong determinant use service by overall injuries, home. The lack significant association between travel fractures suggests that it more meaningful department monitor severe spectrum assessing national their reduction. absence an socioeconomic factors differentials may need be reassessed. These databases are also useful generating information direct preventive strategies target resources areas greatest need.