Research
About Our Research
The purpose of trauma registry data collection is to showcase published research utilizing the PTSF Trauma Registry Data Set (PTOS) and to facilitate the acquisition of data from the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (PTSF) office.
Data is provided in one of two data sets: a “Full Data Set” meaning all elements in the database, or an “Excluded Data Set.” An excluded data set is smaller because it does not contain EMS information or referring facility data.
Access to the state-wide PTOS data is by application only. Access is free for all accredited trauma centers in the Commonwealth.
To apply and/or to view the fee structure for non-accredited centers, please request data.
All accredited trauma centers are required to submit data to the PTOS in Pennsylvania. The submitted data are de-identified subcomponents of the accredited trauma center’s medical record on the trauma patient for that patient stay. No data are collected from non-trauma centers in the PTOS software. Data collected in the PTOS are comprised of demographics, prehospital information, process of acute care information, clinical data, outcome data, diagnoses, procedures, and payor class information.
The PTOS contains more than 300 data elements and more than a million records over 35+ years. Definitions for each of the data elements are found in the PTOS manual. PTOS is the main data repository for the PTSF.
2025 PTSF Research Competition Winners
Best PTOS Data Application
Lindsey Perea, DO, Penn Medicine Lancaster – Determining the Incidence and Severity of Injuries from MotorcycleAccidents after the Repeal of the PA Helmet Law
Completed Research Awards:
First Place: Sebastian Boland, MD, MSc, UPMC Presbyterian – The Impact of Inclement Weather on Air
Medical Transport Capabilities and Patient Outcomes
Second Place: Christopher McLaughlin, MD, MBA, University of Pennsylvania – What’s in a Level? Outcomes for Injured Patients in Shock Treated at Level I vs Level II Trauma Centers
Third Place: Joan Brown, BS, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital – Readmission and Mortality in Trauma Patients Utilizing LACE Index
Pina Templeton Award
Gina Duchossois, MS, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – Virtual Car Seat Installation Program Evaluation: Parent Satisfaction and Installation Accuracy
Past Winners PTSF Research Competition