OA2223. Establishing a regional trauma monitoring mechanism in Crete, Greece: A pilot for national injury surveillance

Abstract Background Injuries remain a leading cause of death and disability in Greece, particularly among children, the working-age population, and the elderly. Yet, valid and harmonized hospital-level data on injuries are largely absent. This evidence gap undermines prevention efforts and limits effective public health planning. Methods In 2024, a regional trauma monitoring mechanism was designed and formally established across Crete through collaboration between public health authorities, the Hellenic Mediterranean University, and the Regional Health Directorate. The system builds on the European Injury Data Base (IDB) model, applying a standardized protocol for data collection in emergency departments. Variables include demographics, injury mechanisms, intent, context, body parts affected, severity, and outcomes. Results Eight hospitals across Crete are now equipped with a secure digital registry developed in compliance with GDPR. Coding systems are harmonized with EU-IDB guidelines, enabling future integration with national and European datasets. Clinical staff and data officers have started a cycle of rigorous training to ensure consistent, high-quality data entry, and the system is ready to begin systematic data collection. Lessons This initiative represents the first structured regional trauma surveillance mechanism in Greece. It demonstrates the feasibility of embedding injury monitoring into routine hospital practice and provides a replicable model for scaling nationally. By generating reliable, comparable data, the registry will strengthen injury prevention strategies and guide evidence-based policymaking. Key messages • The Crete trauma registry is fully established and ready to start systematic data collection. • It offers a scalable model for data-driven injury prevention in Greece and supports targeted interventions at the national level. Topic Injury surveillance, trauma registry, emergency departments