BACKGROUND
NCHRP Web-Only Document 302: Development of a Comprehensive Approach for Serious Traffic Crash Injury Measurement and Reporting Systems, provides a roadmap for developing comprehensive crash-related data linkage systems. Newer versions of related systems have since been released, additional research has been conducted, and technological developments have advanced capabilities in this area. It is now possible to use a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) to perform deterministic linkages between two records in emergency medical service (EMS) and trauma registry databases. UUID was added to the National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) Version 3.5 and is starting to roll out to states. NEMSIS worked with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) to get UUID included as a data element on trauma records in order to allow for a direct link between EMS and trauma records. Applying this method to link crash records with EMS, trauma registries, and other types of data will increase the availability of these linkages, allowing for advancements in traffic safety data analysis, which, in turn, will support the development of more effective and comprehensive traffic safety programs.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to develop, validate, and promote a scalable approach to use UUID to link person-level traffic crash data records with EMS and trauma data records for each crash event.
Accomplishment of the project objective is supported by the following tasks.
PHASE I
Task 1. Assess previously developed relevant methodology or related research. Conduct a review and synthesis of changes in traffic safety related data and advancements in traffic safety data analyses since the completion of the research conducted for NCHRP Web-Only Document 302.
Task 2. Propose a “landing spot” for UUID in various existing data standards [e.g., Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC), hospital emergency department data].
Task 3. Identify (1) measures that can be taken to support the implementation of UUID, as proposed by the National Association of State EMS Officials and ACS, and (2) intermediate, scalable steps that can be taken to accelerate the adoption of UUID in jurisdictions where UUID is not yet available.
Task 4. Propose (1) a methodology for linking and validating crash data to EMS and trauma registry data using UUID and (2) an analytical plan demonstrating the use of linked data for expanding safety data analyses and safety program development. The methodology should include measures to protect personal identifying information (PII), such as deleting PII once linkages between data sources have been established.
Task 5. Propose a plan for conducting a Phase II pilot test to demonstrate the draft methodology and collect feedback.
Task 6. Propose an annotated outline for the guide.
Task 7. Prepare an Interim Report summarizing the results of Tasks 1 through 6.
PHASE II
Task 8. Develop the draft methodology for linking and validating crash data to EMS and trauma registry data using the NEMSIS UUID, according to the approved Interim Report.
Task 9. Pilot test the draft methodology in one or more states or other jurisdictions to (1) evaluate the feasibility of implementing the methodology and (2) demonstrate the ability to use linked data to expand safety data analyses and safety program development. Revise the draft methodology based on feedback gathered during pilot testing.
Task 10. Prepare a draft guide to (1) support implementation of the methodology; (2) identify barriers to implementation of the methodology and potential measures to help overcome such barriers; (3) identify key components and factors important for successful implementation; and (4) develop content for use in obtaining agency and partner support to include success stories, expected benefits, and other information applicable to developing a business case for adoption and implementation of UUID.
Task 11. Participate in a webinar hosted by TRB to share the draft guide with a large and diverse group of multidisciplinary stakeholders, and collect stakeholder feedback for use in finalizing the guide.
Task 12. Develop a plan for nationwide outreach to support adoption. Materials should be designed to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary audiences.
Task 13. Prepare a final deliverable that documents the entire research effort. Final deliverables should include (1) a final research report documenting the entire research effort and findings, (2) a guide, (3) stakeholder marketing/outreach material, (4) prioritized recommendations for future research, (5) presentation material, and (6) a technical memorandum on implementation.
STATUS: Research underway.
