We are undertaking a priority project called the NSW trauma outcomes registry and quality evaluation (TORQUE).
We are working with other healthcare, university and government organisations on this project.
The existing NSW Trauma Registry has been in use since 2008 and relies entirely on manual data entry. New technologies and data links developed over the past five years allow more efficient and integrated data collection methods. This will free trauma service time and resources for more focused quality improvement work.
There is also a need to develop a more patient-centred approach to the NSW trauma system, one that aligns with NSW Health strategic priorities, to ensure that patient needs are being met across the NSW trauma system.
The Trauma PRMs program is a standardised statewide program for the collection and monitoring of trauma patient-reported outcomes, experience and return to work or study information across NSW. The program uses patient feedback by surveys.
We completed an initial RedCap pilot with Trauma PRMs that helped identify issues prior to broader implementation across all the NSW trauma services.
This pilot began in October 2020. The first phase included two major trauma services and one regional trauma service – these were Royal Prince Alfred, Liverpool, and Wagga Wagga Hospitals.
Focus areas were:
- provision of patient information prior to discharge
- PRMs survey content and processes
- data collection using survey tools, such as the EQ-5D-5L and PROMIS-29, return to work, and patient experience surveys
- data reporting
- data and process governance.
The second pilot is underway. This stage involves implementing Trauma PRMs across all NSW trauma services, using the Health Outcomes and Patient Experience (HOPE) platform.
This pilot began in July 2022 and will continue until June 2024.
Focus areas are:
- provision of patient information prior to discharge
- PRMs survey content and processes
- data collection using surveys tools, such as the PROMIS-29, return to work, and patient experience surveys
- data reporting
- data and process governance.
The program will start with the designated trauma services in NSW. It is anticipated that as the program becomes more established, consideration will be given to expanding to cross-border services.
The primary use of PRMs data (survey responses) is for clinicians and patients to help assess and follow up on a trauma patient’s clinical progress and their experience of healthcare.
The secondary uses of PRMs data are funding, research, planning, management, or evaluation of health services. Please consult the local health district PRMs teams for further discussion.
Yes, consumers have been involved in this process, such as working on brochures and information sheets. We also have consumer representation on our TORQUE steering committee.
The PRMs program has been co-designed to support the culturally appropriate and culturally-safe design, implementation, collection and use of PRMs. Refer to the About patient-reported measures page has more information.