Establishing an Integrated ROAD Traffic Casualty Registry in WEST BANK, Palestine

Background Road traffic casualties and risks are still poorly quantified in the West Bank, Palestine. Epidemiological data on road traffic deaths, injuries and disabilities are critical to inform policy initiatives to improve road safety and prevention of traffic casualties. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of establishing an integrated road traffic casualty registry in West Bank to provide reliable data to decision makers. Methods General assessment methodology for surveillance systems and registries (World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control, USA) were used. The assessment was carried out in 2014 in close collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ministry of Interior (MoI). Qualitative methods were used, including semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Results At least five stand-alone surveillance systems operated by different agencies in the West Bank collect data related to road traffic accidents. These systems do not have a common set of indicators, no formal case definitions or standard operating procedures (SOPs). There is a lack of quality assurance systems at all levels. There are large discrepancies in reported casualties: for 2012 the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) reported 120 fatalities, whereas MoH reported both 34 and 112 from separate sources of data. The establishment of an integrated road traffic casualty registry is feasible in spite of important challenges, including that privacy concerns hinder some organizations from sharing data. Nevertheless, MoH and PCP data are sufficiently complete to support a robust integrated registry. Conclusions An integrated registry for road traffic casualties is feasible and should be established. The establishment should comprise a framework for all essential parts of a registry, including stakeholder relations and a comprehensive quality assurance system. Steps toward technical improvement include establishing a multisectoral working group; developing a common set of indicators and case definitions; revising data collection forms and developing SOPs for the whole continuum of data flow.