Clear, consistent and well-elaborated definitions and categories are crucial in casualty recording. This is particularly important when records will be shared with other actors, and a shared understanding of terminology is needed.
This paper explores the importance of the definitions and categories that casualty recorders use in their work, and the issues that recorders face both in creating and applying them. Whilst giving some recommendations on general principles of good practice in this area, this paper does not give specific guidelines. Instead, it presents some observations about the field that may help those involved in casualty recording to make informed decisions on their own practice. In particular, this paper examines specific questions concerning how to define inclusion criteria and status categories.
This paper is one of a series of technical guidance on good practice in casualty recording.
