1
|
Mahdi E, Toscano N, Pierson L, Ndikumana E, Ayers B, Chacon A, Brayer A, Chess M, Davis C, Dorman R, Livingston M, Arca M, Wakeman D. Sustaining the gains: Reducing unnecessary computed tomography scans in pediatric trauma patients. J Pediatr Surg 2023; 58:111-117. [PMID: 36272813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE "Pan-scanning" pediatric blunt trauma patients leads to exposure to harmful radiation and increased healthcare costs without improving outcomes. We aimed to reduce computed tomography (CT) scans that are not indicated (NI) by imaging guidelines for injured children. METHODS In July 2017, our Pediatric Trauma Center prospectively implemented validated imaging guidelines to direct CT imaging for trauma activations and consultations for children younger than 16 years old with blunt traumatic injuries. Patients with suspected physical abuse, CT imaging prior to arrival, penetrating mechanism, and instability precluding CT imaging were excluded. We compared CT scanning rates for pre-implementation (01/2016-06/2017) and post-implementation (07/2017-08/2021) time periods. Guideline compliance was evaluated by chart review and sustained through iterative process improvement cycles. RESULTS During the pre-implementation era, 61 patients underwent 171 CT scans of which 87 (51%) scans were not indicated by guidelines. Post-implementation, 363 patients had 531 scans and only 134 (25%) CTs were not indicated. Total CTs performed declined after initiation of guidelines (2.80 vs 1.46 scans/patient, p<0.0001). Total NI CTs declined (1.41 vs 0.37 NI scans/patient, p<0.0001) reflected in significant reductions in all anatomic regions: head, cervical spine, chest, and abdomen/pelvis. Charges related to NI scans decreased from $1,490.31/patient to $408.21/patient, saving $218,000 in charges. Based on prior utilization, 146 children were spared excessive radiation with no clinically significant missed injuries since guideline implementation. CONCLUSIONS Quality improvement and implementation science methodologies to enhance compliance with imaging guidelines for children with blunt injuries can significantly reduce unnecessary CT scanning without compromising care. This practice reduces harmful radiation exposure in a sensitive patient population and may save healthcare systems money and resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaa Mahdi
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Nicole Toscano
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Lauren Pierson
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Eric Ndikumana
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Brian Ayers
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Alexander Chacon
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Anne Brayer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Mitchell Chess
- Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Colleen Davis
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Robert Dorman
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Michael Livingston
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Marjorie Arca
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Derek Wakeman
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rinnan JMA, Latreille J, Nanassy AD, Gaughan J, Lindholm EB, Grewal H, Kassutto Z, Arthur LG. Reducing Phlebotomy, Length of Stay, Cost: Development of a Blunt Abdominal Trauma Pathway in a Level I, Pediatric Trauma Center. Pediatr Emerg Care 2022; 38:550-554. [PMID: 35905444 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) is a leading cause of morbidity in children with higher hemodynamic stabilities when compared with adults. Pediatric patients with BAT can often be managed without surgical interventions; however, laboratory testing is often recommended. Yet, laboratory testing can be costly, and current literature has not identified appropriate pathways or specific tests necessary to detect intra-abdominal injury after BAT. Therefore, the present study evaluated a proposed laboratory testing pathway to determine if it safely reduced draws of complete blood counts, coagulation studies, urinalysis, comprehensive metabolic panels, amylase and lipase levels orders, emergency department (ED) length of stay, and cost in pediatric BAT patients. METHODS A retrospective review of levels I, II, and III BAT pediatric patients (n = 329) was performed from 2015 to 2018 at our level I, pediatric trauma center. Patients were then grouped based on pre-post pathway, and differences were calculated using univariate analyses. RESULTS After implementation of the pathway, there was a significant decrease in the number of complete blood counts, coagulation studies, urinalysis, comprehensive metabolic panels, amylase, and lipase levels orders ( P < 0.05). Postpathway patients had lower average ED lengths of stay and testing costs compared with the pre pathway patients ( P < 0.05). There was no increase in rates of return to the ED within 30 days, missed injuries, or readmissions of patients to the ED. CONCLUSIONS Results displayed that the adoption of a laboratory testing pathway for BAT patients reduced the number of laboratory tests, ED length of stay, and associated costs pediatric patients without impacting quality care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Autumn D Nanassy
- Research Department, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA
| | - John Gaughan
- Department of Medicine, Rowan University Cooper Medical School, Camden, NJ
| | - Erika B Lindholm
- Pediatric Surgery Department, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Edwards MJ, Jenkel T, Weller B, Weber A, Zhu K, Parikh R, Ata A, Danziger C. Computed Tomography Scan Utilization in Pediatric Trauma: Impact on Length of Stay and Incidence of False Positive Findings. Pediatr Emerg Care 2021; 37:e1478-e1481. [PMID: 32205803 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Computerized tomography (CT) scans are the mainstay of diagnostic imaging in blunt trauma. Particularly in pediatric trauma, utilization of CT scans has increased exponentially in recent years. Concerns regarding radiation exposure to this vulnerable population have resulted in increased scrutiny of practice. What is not known is if liberal imaging practices decrease length of stay by eliminating the need for clinical observation, and the impact of false-positive rates from liberal use of CT scanning on clinical outcomes. METHODS Medical records from a nonaccredited pediatric trauma center with a practice of liberal imaging were reviewed over a 2-year period. Total CT scans obtained were recorded, in addition to length of stay, age, and Injury Severity Score (ISS). Rates of clinically significant imaging findings were recorded, as were false positive findings and complications of imaging. RESULTS Out of 735 children, 58% underwent CT scanning, and if scanned, received an average of 2.4 studies. Clinically significant findings were documented in 20% of head CTs, 2% of cervical spine CTs, 3.5% of chest CTs, 24% of facial CTs, and 14.7% of abdominal CTs. False-positive findings were found in 1.5% of head CTs, 1.2% of cervical spine CTs, 2.4% of chest CTs, and 2.5% of abdominal CTs. Liberal CT scanning was not associated with decreased length of stay. In contrast, obtaining CT scans on more than 4 body regions was independently predictive of longer length of stay, independent of ISS. CONCLUSIONS False-positive rates of CT scans for trauma were low in this cohort. However, when scanning the cervical spine or the chest, for every 2 clinically significant findings obtained, there was at least one false positive result, calling into question the practice of liberal imaging of these regions. Liberal utilization of CT scan did not allow for more rapid discharge home, and for more than 4 CTs was independently associated with longer hospital stay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary J Edwards
- From the Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY
| | | | | | - Alexis Weber
- From the Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY
| | | | | | - Ashar Ata
- From the Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY
| | - Carrie Danziger
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kjelle E, Andersen ER, Soril LJJ, van Bodegom-Vos L, Hofmann BM. Interventions to reduce low-value imaging - a systematic review of interventions and outcomes. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:983. [PMID: 34537051 PMCID: PMC8449221 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07004-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is estimated that 20-50% of all radiological examinations are of low value. Many attempts have been made to reduce the use of low-value imaging. However, the comparative effectiveness of interventions to reduce low-value imaging is unclear. Thus, the objective of this systematic review was to provide an overview and evaluate the outcomes of interventions aimed at reducing low-value imaging. METHODS An electronic database search was completed in Medline - Ovid, Embase-Ovid, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for citations between 2010 and 2020. The search was built from medical subject headings for Diagnostic imaging/Radiology, Health service misuse or medical overuse, and Health planning. Keywords were used for the concept of reduction and avoidance. Reference lists of included articles were also hand-searched for relevant citations. Only articles written in English, German, Danish, Norwegian, Dutch, and Swedish were included. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to appraise the quality of the included articles. A narrative synthesis of the final included articles was completed. RESULTS The search identified 15,659 records. After abstract and full-text screening, 95 studies of varying quality were included in the final analysis, containing 45 studies found through hand-searching techniques. Both controlled and uncontrolled before-and-after studies, time series, chart reviews, and cohort studies were included. Most interventions were aimed at referring physicians. Clinical practice guidelines (n = 28) and education (n = 28) were most commonly evaluated interventions, either alone or in combination with other components. Multi-component interventions were often more effective than single-component interventions showing a reduction in the use of low-value imaging in 94 and 74% of the studies, respectively. The most addressed types of imaging were musculoskeletal (n = 26), neurological (n = 23) and vascular (n = 16) imaging. Seventy-seven studies reported reduced low-value imaging, while 3 studies reported an increase. CONCLUSIONS Multi-component interventions that include education were often more effective than single-component interventions. The contextual and cultural factors in the health care systems seem to be vital for successful reduction of low-value imaging. Further research should focus on assessing the impact of the context in interventions reducing low-value imaging and how interventions can be adapted to different contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elin Kjelle
- Institute for the Health Sciences at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) at Gjøvik, NTNU Gjøvik, Postbox 191, 2802 Gjøvik, Norway
| | - Eivind Richter Andersen
- Institute for the Health Sciences at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) at Gjøvik, NTNU Gjøvik, Postbox 191, 2802 Gjøvik, Norway
| | - Lesley J. J. Soril
- Department of Community Health Sciences and The Health Technology Assessment Unit, O’Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6 Canada
| | - Leti van Bodegom-Vos
- Medical Decision making, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bjørn Morten Hofmann
- Institute for the Health Sciences at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) at Gjøvik, NTNU Gjøvik, Postbox 191, 2802 Gjøvik, Norway
- Centre of Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Postbox 1130, Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pavlov H, Santillanes G, Claudius I. Decline in Pediatric Emergency Department Behavioral Team Activations After Institution of an Agitation Protocol. Pediatr Emerg Care 2021; 37:e170-e173. [PMID: 33780411 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aggressive behavior among pediatric patients with psychiatric complaints in emergency departments is a growing problem. An agitation protocol was instituted in 1 pediatric emergency department to provide scaled recommendations for differing levels of aggression. The study objective was to determine if the frequency of activation of an emergency behavioral response team changed after protocol initiation. METHODS A protocol for escalating management of agitation in pediatric patients was introduced in February 2016. The electronic medical record was queried for subsequent behavioral response team activations over the next 16 months. Patient demographics and specific features surrounding the activation were retrospectively recorded from the medical record, including length of stay, medications administered, and documented deescalation techniques. Frequency and features of behavioral team activations were compared with activations from a period before the planning and implementation of the protocol (May 2014 to May 2015). RESULTS Twenty-one patient visits were found to require behavioral response team activation over 16 months, compared with 31 for the 13-month preprotocol period. Attempts at verbal/ environmental redirection were seen in 77% and deescalation by medication administration before the activation occurred in 14% of patients. During the behavioral team activation, 81% of the patients were given psychiatric medications and 81% were placed in physical restraints. CONCLUSIONS A decrease from a baseline of 2.4 to 1.3 behavioral response team activations per month, or a 46% decline, was noted following the institution of a clinical protocol for pediatric agitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Pavlov
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Southern California
| | | | - Ilene Claudius
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA, West Carson, Torrance, CA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Denning NL, Abd El-Shafy I, Munoz A, Vannix I, Hazboun R, Luo-Owen X, Cordova JF, Baerg J, Cullinane DC, Prince JM. Safe phlebotomy reduction in stable pediatric liver and spleen injuries. J Pediatr Surg 2019; 54:2363-2368. [PMID: 31101423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pediatric blunt solid organ injury management based on hemodynamic monitoring rather than grade may safely reduce resource expenditure and improve outcomes. Previously we have reported a retrospectively validated management algorithm for pediatric liver and spleen injuries which monitors hemodynamics without use of routine phlebotomy. We hypothesize that stable blunt pediatric isolated splenic/liver injuries can be managed safely using a protocol reliant on vital signs and not repeat hemoglobin levels. METHODS A prospective multi-institutional study was performed at three pediatric trauma centers. All pediatric patients from 07/2016-12/2017 diagnosed with liver or splenic injuries were identified. If appropriate for the protocol, only a baseline hemoglobin was obtained unless hemodynamic instability as defined in an age-appropriate fashion was determined by treating physician discretion. Descriptive statistics were conducted. RESULTS One hundred four patients were identified of which 38 were excluded from the protocol. There was a significant difference in abnormal shock index, pediatric age-adjusted (SIPA) values, hematocrit, and percentage of patients with hemoglobin less than 10 between the excluded and included patients. Of the 66 patients managed on the protocol, four patients had to be removed, two each on day one and day two. Of those four patients, only one required intervention. There were no mortalities. CONCLUSION A phlebotomy limiting protocol may be a safe option for stable pediatric splenic and liver injuries cared for in a pediatric trauma center with the resources for rapid intervention should the need arise. The differences in groups highlight the importance of utilizing this protocol in the correct patient population. Reduced phlebotomy offers the potential for reduced resource expenditure without any evidence of increased morbidity or mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi-Liza Denning
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Cohen, Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA.
| | | | - Amanda Munoz
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Ian Vannix
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Rajaie Hazboun
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Xian Luo-Owen
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - John F Cordova
- Department of Surgery, Marshfield Clinic and Marshfield Children's Hospital, Marshfield, WI, 54449
| | - Joanne Baerg
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Daniel C Cullinane
- Department of Surgery, Marshfield Clinic and Marshfield Children's Hospital, Marshfield, WI, 54449
| | - Jose M Prince
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Cohen, Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Implementation of a CT scan practice guideline for pediatric trauma patients reduces unnecessary scans without impacting outcomes. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2019; 85:451-458. [PMID: 29787555 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000001974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Computed tomography (CT) scans are useful in the evaluation of trauma patients, but are costly and pose risks from ionizing radiation in children. Recent literature has demonstrated the use of CT scan guidelines in the management of pediatric trauma. The study objective is to review our treatment of pediatric blunt trauma patients and evaluate CT use before and after CT-guideline implementation. METHODS Our Pediatric Level 2 Trauma Center (TC) implemented a CT scan practice guideline for pediatric trauma patients in March 2014. The guideline recommended for or against CT of the head and abdomen/pelvis using published criteria from the Pediatric Emergency Care and Research Network. There was no chest CT guideline. We reviewed all pediatric trauma patients for CT scans obtained during initial evaluation before and after guideline implementation, excluding inpatient scans. The Trauma Registry Database was queried to include all pediatric (age < 15) trauma patients seen in our TC from 2010 to 2016, excluding penetrating mechanism and deaths in the TC. Scans were considered positive if organ injury was detected. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients undergoing CT and percent positive CTs. Secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay, readmissions, and mortality. Categorical and continuous variables were analyzed with χ and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, respectively. p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS We identified 1,934 patients: 1,106 pre- and 828 post-guideline. Absolute reductions in head, chest, and abdomen/pelvis CT scans were 17.7%, 11.5%, and 18.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). Percent positive head CTs were equivalent, but percent positive chest and abdomen CT increased after implementation. Secondary outcomes were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of a pediatric CT guideline significantly decreases CT use, reducing the radiation exposure without a difference in outcome. Trauma centers treating pediatric patients should adopt similar guidelines to decrease unnecessary CT scans in children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, level IV.
Collapse
|
8
|
Hiscock H, Neely RJ, Warren H, Soon J, Georgiou A. Reducing Unnecessary Imaging and Pathology Tests: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics 2018; 141:peds.2017-2862. [PMID: 29382686 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-2862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Unnecessary imaging and pathology procedures represent low-value care and can harm children and the health care system. OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic review of interventions designed to reduce unnecessary pediatric imaging and pathology testing. DATA SOURCES We searched Medline, Embase, Cinahl, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and gray literature. STUDY SELECTION Studies we included were: reports of interventions to reduce unnecessary imaging and pathology testing in pediatric populations; from developed countries; written in the English language; and published between January 1, 1996, and April 29, 2017. DATA EXTRACTION Two researchers independently extracted data and assessed study quality using a Cochrane group risk of bias tool. Level of evidence was graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine grading system. RESULTS We found 64 articles including 44 before-after, 14 interrupted time series, and 1 randomized controlled trial. More effective interventions were (1) multifaceted, with 3 components (mean relative reduction = 45.0%; SD = 28.3%) as opposed to 2 components (32.0% [30.3%]); or 1 component (28.6%, [34.9%]); (2) targeted toward families and clinicians compared with clinicians only (61.9% [34.3%] vs 30.0% [32.0%], respectively); and (3) targeted toward imaging (41.8% [38.4%]) or pathology testing only (48.8% [20.9%]), compared with both simultaneously (21.6% [29.2%]). LIMITATIONS The studies we included were limited to the English language. CONCLUSIONS Promising interventions include audit and feedback, system-based changes, and education. Future researchers should move beyond before-after designs to rigorously evaluate interventions. A relatively novel approach will be to include both clinicians and the families they manage in such interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Hiscock
- Health Services Research Unit, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia; .,Community Health Services Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachel Jane Neely
- Health Services Research Unit, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Community Health Services Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Hayley Warren
- Community Health Services Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jason Soon
- Policy and Advocacy, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Sydney, Australia; and
| | - Andrew Georgiou
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Negative computed tomography can safely rule out clinically significant intra-abdominal injury in the asymptomatic patient after blunt trauma: Prospective evaluation of 1193 patients. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2018; 84:128-132. [PMID: 28930944 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000001705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis (CTAP) is highly specific for injury identification and commonly used in the evaluation of blunt trauma patients. Despite this, there is no consensus on the required clinical observation period after negative imaging, often impacting patient flow and hospital cost. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of CTAP after blunt trauma and the need for observation after negative imaging. METHODS A prospective analysis at a large Level I trauma center was conducted from November 2014 to May 2015. All blunt trauma patients, older than 14 years with CTAP on admission were included. Symptomatic patients were defined as having abdominal pain or external signs of trauma on admission. The main outcome was missed injury. RESULTS Over the study period, there were 1,468 blunt trauma admissions, of which 1,193 patients underwent CTAP. Eight hundred six (67.6%) patients were evaluable on admission (Glasgow Coma Scale score, 15), and of these, 327 (40.6%) were symptomatic, 479 (59.4%) asymptomatic. Among the evaluable asymptomatic patients, there were 65 (13.6%) positive computed tomography scans including 11 patients with grade III, IV, or V solid organ injury and three that required operation. In the 414 evaluable asymptomatic patients with negative imaging, median length of stay was 3 days, and there were zero missed injuries. All images were reviewed by an attending radiologist. CONCLUSION Abdominal imaging after trauma is justified in the appropriate clinical setting to evaluate for significant abdominal injury regardless of symptomatology. In asymptomatic, evaluable patients with a negative CTAP, clinically significant abdominal injury is unlikely, and these patients may be considered for early discharge or disposition to another treatment service. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic, level III; Therapy, level IV.
Collapse
|