Injury Data Collection

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PROJECT UPDATE JUNE 2008
Feasibility of establishing a UK-wide injury database

In 2002 the former Department of Trade and Industry (DTi) ceased to collect injury data for its Home Accident Surveillance System (HASS) and Leisure Accident Surveillance System (LASS). Since this time the database has been accessible through RoSPA’s website and is used by 70,000 visitors per year. Users range from health care professionals and lawyers to risk managers and product designers. Unfortunately, the HASS/LASS database is now out of date and can no longer be used to identify emerging injury trends.

RoSPA, in partnership with Electrical Safety Council and Intertek are researching the feasibility of setting up a new, UK-wide injury surveillance system in the UK. The partners are grateful for additional funding from the British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association (BAMA) and UK Cleaning Products (UKCPI). The objective of the database is to facilitate the prevention of accidental injury by providing data for research, policy development, injury prevention programmes, risk assessment, and product development.

People

The project team comprises Geraldine Healy and Heather Ward. The team draws on the considerable expertise of members of an Advisory Group which includes representatives from BSI, UK manufacturing, the NHS and Government.

Contact details for the project team are:

Tasks and timelines

The project started in September 07. It has been split into various tasks including the following:

Current surveillance systems

Various different injury databases have been identified in the UK and internationally. At this stage, the project team is trying to understand how these satisfy their stakeholders by asking database owners, managers and users the following questions:

What information is collected?
Who collects the information?
Who uses the information?
Who provides funding?

There are many specialist databases as well as more generic ones. Most of these databases include product-related injuries and those occurring in the home. The most frequent source of data is from hospital Accident & Emergency departments.

The project team has also met those who were involved in the original HASS & LASS development. This has provided the team with very useful insights into the challenges ahead for setting up a new system.

Potential data users and their needs

The project team is undertaking research, which has been achieved primarily through various meetings. Questionnaires have also been used to gather information on users and their needs. This questionnaire is available on the RoSPA website. If you would like to submit your views to the project team please visit the website; http://www.rospa.com/hassandlass/questionnaire/index.asp or contact the project team directly

Data providers

The project team is cooperating with potential data providers and groups who are lobbying for and working towards the introduction of better UK injury data. It is self-evident that active participation by the Department of Health and the NHS will be vitally important to the success of any new injury database.

Design and funding

Once the preceding tasks have been completed the project team will develop and consult on a range of design proposals for a new system. At this stage it is thought that there are likely to be a range of options and associated costs. Stakeholders and users will be consulted to identify the most sustainable and cost-effective solution.

The research project is due to be completed in October 2008.

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