Research and analytics in combat trauma care: converting data and experience to practical guidelines.

Throughout history, wars have resulted in medical advancements, especially in trauma. Once clinical challenges are identified, they require documentation and analysis before changes to care are introduced. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq led to the collection of clinically relevant data from the entire medical system into a formal trauma registry. Improvements in data collection and human research oversight have allowed more effective and efficient techniques to capture and analyze trauma data, which has enabled rapid development and dissemination of clinical practice guidelines in the midst of war. These data-driven experiences are influencing trauma practice patterns in the civilian community.