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.
2026 PTSF Research Competition Winners
Best PTOS Data Application
Alan Stolarski, MD, University of Pennsylvania- Defining the Temporal Inflection Point in Prehospital Hemorrhage Care
Completed Research Awards:
First Place: Matthew Springer, Geisinger Health Systems – E-Bike Trauma in Pennsylvania: A Comparison of Injury Patterns, Interventions, and Outcomes with mechanical Bicycles and Motorcycles
Second Place: Medoza Ameen, MPH, University of Pennsylvania – Incidence and Severity of Pedestrian Accidents in Lancaster County throughout a 5-Year Period using Geospatial Analysis
Third Place: Julie Reichert, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital- A Statewide Analysis of the Incidence and Severity of Injuries from Motorcycle Collisions After the Pennsylvania Helmet Law Repeal
Pina Templeton Award
Elinore Kaufman, MD and Sunny Vespico MSN, CLN, TCRN, CCRN, RN, University of Pennsylvania- Promoting Secure Firearm Storage through Lockbox Distribution
Past Winners PTSF Research Competition