Namibia Multi-Centre Road Crash Injury Surveillance Program:Phase 1 - Pilot Study

In: Fitzharris , M P , Shifotoka-Mbango , A , Bowman , D M & Scheepers , M 2010 , Namibia Multi-Centre Road Crash Injury Surveillance Program : Phase 1 - Pilot Study . Monash University .

Abstract

Road traffic crashes are recognised to be a global public health concern. Recent developments internationally have highlighted the need for the implementation of national road safety action plans. The Government of the Republic of Namibia, through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund and the Ministry of Health and Social Services, play a critical role in advancing the road safety agenda. Both recognise the centrality of accurate and timely data as it relates to road crashes. Consequently, this report set out to examine the feasibility of establishing a linked national dataset in Namibia, drawing together available sources of information pertaining to crashes and injury outcomes. This was achieved by the development and implementation of injury surveillance and data capture processes and applied during the period of 7 December 2009 to 15 January 2010. Using these systems, all presentations to the emergency departments of four hospitals in Windhoek were recorded, with this information forming the basis for the linked data. The analysis of the pre-hospital information indicated clear differences in transportation time of those injured in crashes in Khomas compared to the other regions of Namibia, while the findings of the Emergency Department Triage Study indicated high levels of assault as well as serious injury consequences for those involved in traffic crashes. Notwithstanding a number of barriers, the feasibility and value of establishing a linked data set, drawing together multiple data sources across the entire crash-casualty continuum was demonstrated. Among a small sample of cases, differences in crash patterns and injury outcomes between car occupants, motorcyclists and pedestrians could be observed. Analysis of both the collected data and of the process itself highlighted a range of issues in the collection of these data. A series of recommendations designed to improve the quality and level of data for the monitoring of road crashes and their injury consequences are outlined.