Citation

Proc. IRCOBI 2006; 34: 84-88.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, International Research Council on Biomechanics of Injury)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The classification of injuries by type and severity, both in terms of their relative threat to life as well as the probability of resultant impairment or long-term disability should be the cornerstone of every data system. Standardized schemes for describing the nature and severity of fatal and non-fatal injuries are essential for developing effective strategies for reducing the socioeconomic burden of injury. Various tools exist which contribute to the globalization of injury scales. The need for a scale covering injury outcome (impairment and disability) has become a priority. Attempts have been made to develop or adapt other scales to produce costs of injury scales but so far these scales are likely to remain country-specific and culture-specific. Areas for further knowledge include adoption of a global standard for injury severity assessment; development of a simple injury scale for pre-hospital use; autopsy reports to include information to facilitate understanding of injury types and mechanisms that contribute to fatalities; age related information; an agreed set of national definitions in police reported information and avoidance of disparities between police and hospital data; establishment of an international protocol for injury severity assessment; and adoption of international criteria for establishing scales pertaining to the costs of injury.