Establishing a trauma registry in Bhutan: needs and process

BACKGROUND Globally, trauma represents a growing and significant burden of disease. Many health systems have limited metrics with which to guide development and appropriately inform policy and management decisions with regard to trauma related health care delivery. FINDINGS This paper outlines the establishment of need for improved trauma related metrics in the country of Bhutan and the process of development of a trauma registry at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital to meet that need. CONCLUSIONS Trauma registries are important tools allowing health systems to respond to the shifting burden of disease; successful establishment of a trauma registry requires an understanding of the health system and broad institutional support.