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November 2023 | Vol. 1. Issue 2

WHAT'S NEW

In the latest edition of the Texas TRCC newsletter, we invite you to join us on a journey through pivotal discussions, including insights into EMS & Trauma Registry (EMSTR) data and data linkage, updates from the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) regarding driver's license databases and a closer look at the battle against excessive alcohol use in Texas. A recap of important information shared at recent meetings along with featured stories can be found in this month's newsletter below

Interested in speaking at the next meeting? Contact Kanchan Pandey.

EMS & Trauma Registry Data Linkage & Modernization

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has prioritized modernizing the EMSTR platform and implementing the Universal Unique Identifier and the Texas Patient Wristband numbers. These initiatives will effectively link patients between prehospital and hospital patient care contacts and DSHS will use these initiatives to improve future data linkages. 

DSHS will continue its strong commitment to identification and technical assistance for trauma facilities and emergency medical services (EMS) providers needing registry submission support. The launch date for the modernized registry platform is set for November 20, 2023.

The Texas TRCC EMS & Trauma Registry Dashboard

The Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Registries is a statewide passive surveillance system that collects reportable event data from EMS providers, hospitals, justices of the peace, medical examiners and rehabilitation facilities. In fact, Texas is home to one of the largest EMS registries in the U.S. with more than 4 million EMS runs received annually.

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute and DSHS developed a preliminary dashboard that displays data from EMSTR for patients involved in motor vehicle crashes. A user guide provides details on the data inside the dashboard and how to use it.

What's Being Done to Prevent Excessive Alcohol Use in Texas?

Did you know that excessive alcohol use has led to more than 140,000 deaths and 3.6 million years of potential life lost each year in the U.S. from 2015–2019?

Dr. Jessica Duncan Cance, a public health researcher at the nonprofit organization RTI International, presented information about their current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded project, Promoting Population Health in Texas Through Increased Capacity in Alcohol Epidemiology & the Prevention of Excessive Alcohol Use. RTI is partnering with DSHS to build the state’s epidemiologic capacity pertaining to excessive alcohol use and related harms. The project aims to increase the availability of state data to ensure that data-driven, evidence-based strategies to prevent excessive alcohol use are implemented by Texas communities most in need. Dr. Cance reviewed the project activities conducted to date and plans for the next three years.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RESOURCE CORNER

Do you have ideas for the next issue? Email them to Kanchan Pandey.