Introduction Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) account for over 90% of worldwide injury-related mortality. Several high-income countries have used data from trauma registries (TR) to make decisions that improve injury care delivery, injury prevention initiatives, and policymaking. However, previous efforts to establish TRs in LMICs have wrestled with sustainability issues; hence, developing TRs in LMICs involves considerable planning and preparation.

Aim This study aimed to design the framework of a prototype trauma registry with components and activities (TRCA) for University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria.

Method An in-depth interview was conducted with eight purposively selected trauma registry stakeholders in UCH to obtain context-specific information for planning and designing a potentially sustainable prototype TR, which includes TR scope and components. The data was analysed deductively and used to design a prototype TR for UCH. An expert meeting was conducted with four purposively selected experts within the hospital who are experienced in injury care, injury prevention, hospital data and quality control, and the setting up of disease registries for assessment and validation of the suitability of the prototype TR scope and TR components, confirming their applicability and efficacy in UCH.

Results All trauma and registry stakeholders who participated in the in-depth interviews agreed that there is a need for a TR in UCH. The experts unanimously agreed that the scope of a potentially sustainable prototype TR should gather data on patients with trauma histories from the accident and emergency department and the hospital wards, with the possibility for an extension over time. Twenty-one components with activities were identified for the TR scope and divided into four categories. These categories include registry personnel; computers, training, and other materials; technology infrastructure; and administrative services.

Conclusion Engaging local stakeholders in designing a TR helps tailor the UCH registry’s scope and components to the needs and resources of the setting. It also has the potential to facilitate the implementation and sustainability of the registry. Its successful implementation has the potential to improve patient outcomes significantly while developing and testing preventive interventions.