Association of Clinical Guidelines and Decision Support with Computed Tomography Use in Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Optimizing Advanced Imaging of the Pediatric Patient in the Emergency Department: Technical Report

Advanced diagnostic imaging modalities, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, are key components in the evaluation and management of pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department. Advances in imaging technology have led to the availability of faster and more accurate tools to improve patient care. Notwithstanding these advances, it is important for physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to understand the risks and limitations associated with advanced imaging in children and to limit imaging studies that are considered low value, when possible. This technical report provides a summary of imaging strategies for specific conditions where advanced imaging is commonly considered in the emergency department. As an accompaniment to the policy statement, this document provides resources and strategies to optimize advanced imaging, including clinical decision support mechanisms, teleradiology, shared decision-making, and rationale for deferred imaging for patients who will be transferred for definitive care.

Optimizing Advanced Imaging of the Pediatric Patient in the Emergency Department: Technical Report

Advanced diagnostic imaging modalities, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are key components in the evaluation and management of pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department. Advances in imaging technology have led to the availability of faster and more accurate tools to improve patient care. Notwithstanding these advances, it is important for physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to understand the risks and limitations associated with advanced imaging in children and to limit imaging studies that are considered low value, when possible. This technical report provides a summary of imaging strategies for specific conditions where advanced imaging is commonly considered in the emergency department. As an accompaniment to the policy statement, this document provides resources and strategies to optimize advanced imaging, including clinical decision support mechanisms, teleradiology, shared decision-making, and rationale for deferred imaging for patients who will be transferred for definitive care.

Neuroimaging for mild traumatic brain injury in children: cross-sectional study using national claims data

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend healthcare professionals avoid routine use of neuroimaging for diagnosing mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine current use of CT and MRI among children and young adult patients with mTBI and factors that increase likelihood of neuroimaging in this population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were analyzed using the 2019 MarketScan commercial claims and encounters database for the commercially insured population for both inpatient and outpatient claims. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models for patients  ≤24 years of age who received an ICD-10-CM code indicative of a possible mTBI were analyzed.

RESULTS

Neuroimaging was performed in 16.9% (CT; 95% CI=16.7-17.1) and 0.9% (MRI; 95% CI=0.8-0.9) of mTBI outpatient visits (including emergency department visits) among children (≤18 years old). Neuroimaging was performed in a higher percentage of outpatient visits for patients 19-24 years old (CT=47.1% [95% CI=46.5-47.6] and MRI=1.7% [95% CI=1.5-1.8]), and children aged 15-18 years old (CT=20.9% [95% CI=20.5-21.2] and MRI=1.4% [95% CI=1.3-1.5]). Outpatient visits for males were 1.22 (95% CI=1.10-1.25) times more likely to include CT compared to females, while there were no differences by sex for MRI or among inpatient stays. Urban residents, as compared to rural, were less likely to get CT in outpatient settings (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=0.55, 95% CI=0.53-0.57). Rural residents demonstrated a larger proportion of inpatient admissions that had a CT.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite recommendations to avoid routine use of neuroimaging for mTBI, neuroimaging remained common practice in 2019.