Seeing the problem: roles for surveillance in injury control

Abstract

In this paper three types of surveillance techniques are described: surveillance based on by-product data from information systems designed with little regard for the specific needs of prevention practitioners; ‘stand-alone’ surveillance techniques that are specifically designed to meet the demands of practitioners; and integrated techniques that serve the needs of various user groups. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Experience is leading to a better understanding of which information is sufficiently useful to warrant collection, and to a clearer understanding of the practical limits. While greater standardization in injury surveillance is desirable, it need not be identical in all circumstances. There is a need to develop methods for injury surveillance in special settings. These systems should, however, share core elements of basic injury data standards.

Keywords:

• surveillance
• injury data
• classification
• methods

Additional information

Notes on contributors

James Harrison

Correspondence address: Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, National Injury Surveillance Unit, Mark Oliphant Building, Laffer Drive, Bedford Park SA, 5042 Australia

Wim Rogmans

Correspondence address: Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, National Injury Surveillance Unit, Mark Oliphant Building, Laffer Drive, Bedford Park SA, 5042 Australia