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Byerly SE, Filiberto DM, Lenart EK, Easterday T, Howley I, Nouer S, Tolley E, Magnotti LJ. Clinical decompensation after trauma laparotomy: It's probably not a pulmonary embolus. Injury 2024:111651. [PMID: 38849214 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2024.111651] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Computed Tomography (CT) to rule out pulmonary embolus (PE) is often ordered during post-trauma laparotomy clinical decompensation (CD) involving fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, and/or leukocytosis. We hypothesize this diagnostic modality is low-yield in the postoperative period when surgery-related sequelae are more probable. Methods This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent trauma laparotomy and had subsequent CT for CD from March 19, 2019 to June 30, 2022. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were performed. The primary outcome was saddle and lobar PE incidence. Results 1032 adult patients underwent trauma laparotomy with 434 undergoing CT for CD: 137 CT abdomen and pelvis only, 30 CTPE, 265 both. The majority (80.2 %) was male, age 33[interquartile range (IQR) 24-45], suffered penetrating mechanism (57 %), and had ISS 23[IQR16-30]. Injuries at laparotomy included 47 % solid organ, 62 % GI tract, 7 % biliary, 11 % vascular, and 42 % other. 176 (41 %) required damage control laparotomy. Median time to CT post-laparotomy was 174 h [111-235] with saddle and lobar PE in 3 (1 %), peripheral PE 18 (5 %), and abdominal abscess, leak, fluid, or pseudoaneurysm in 222 (51 %). Clinical management was altered (40 %) by antibiotics, therapeutic anticoagulation, drainage, aspiration, filter, thrombectomy, or surgical operation. Patients for whom CT findings changed management were more likely to have had GI tract surgery (69% vs 57 %, p = 0.021), higher white blood cell (WBC) (16.4 [13.1-20.5] vs 15.1 [9.9-19.5], p = 0.002), more hours between CT and laparotomy (184 [141-245] vs 162 [89-230], p = 0.002), and lower mortality (2% vs 8 %, p = 0.008). In-hospital mortality was 5 %; none were PE-related. Predictors of clinical intervention required based on CT imaging were GI tract injury (AOR: 1.65, p = 0.0182), and elevated WBC (AOR: 1.038, p = 0.010 Conclusion Saddle and lobar PE incidence post-trauma laparotomy is low. SIRS-type symptoms prompting postoperative CT commonly have no procedural or antibiotic requirement. Postoperative decompensation is more likely related post-operative complications, and less likely a PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskya E Byerly
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, University of Tennessee Health Science Campus, 910 Madison Ave, #220, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
| | - Dina M Filiberto
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, University of Tennessee Health Science Campus, 910 Madison Ave, #220, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Emily K Lenart
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, University of Tennessee Health Science Campus, 910 Madison Ave, #220, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Thomas Easterday
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, University of Tennessee Health Science Campus, 910 Madison Ave, #220, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Isaac Howley
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, University of Tennessee Health Science Campus, 910 Madison Ave, #220, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Simonne Nouer
- College of Medicine-Memphis, Department of Preventative Medicine, Division of Preventative Medicine, 66 North Pauline St, Memphis, TN 38193, USA
| | - Elizabeth Tolley
- College of Medicine-Memphis, Department of Preventative Medicine, Division of Preventative Medicine, 66 North Pauline St, Memphis, TN 38193, USA
| | - Louis J Magnotti
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, University of Arizona, PO Box 245063, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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Salwei ME, Hoonakker PL, Pulia M, Wiegmann D, Patterson BW, Carayon P. Post-implementation usability evaluation of a human factors-based clinical decision support for pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis (Dx): PE Dx Study Part 1. HUMAN FACTORS IN HEALTHCARE 2023; 4:100056. [PMID: 38765769 PMCID: PMC11099629 DOI: 10.1016/j.hfh.2023.100056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
While there is promise for health IT, such as Clinical Decision Support (CDS), to improve patient safety and clinician efficiency, poor usability has hindered widespread use of these tools. Human Factors (HF) principles and methods remain the gold standard for health IT design; however, there is limited information on how HF methods and principles influence CDS usability "in the wild". In this study, we explore the usability of an HF-based CDS used in the clinical environment; the CDS was designed according to a human-centered design process, which is described in Carayon et al. (2020). In this study, we interviewed 12 emergency medicine physicians, identifying 294 excerpts of barriers and facilitators of the CDS. Sixty-eight percent of excerpts related to the HF principles applied in the human-centered design of the CDS. The remaining 32% of excerpts related to 18 inductively-created categories, which highlight gaps in the CDS design process. Several barriers were related to the physical environment and organization work system elements as well as physicians' broader workflow in the emergency department (e.g., teamwork). This study expands our understanding of the usability outcomes of HF-based CDS "in the wild". We demonstrate the value of HF principles in the usability of CDS and identify areas for improvement to future human-centered design of CDS. The relationship between these usability outcomes and the HCD process is explored in an accompanying Part 2 manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Salwei
- Center for Research and Innovation in Systems Safety, Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Peter L.T. Hoonakker
- Wisconsin Institute for Healthcare Systems Engineering, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael Pulia
- Wisconsin Institute for Healthcare Systems Engineering, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Douglas Wiegmann
- Wisconsin Institute for Healthcare Systems Engineering, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brian W. Patterson
- Wisconsin Institute for Healthcare Systems Engineering, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Pascale Carayon
- Wisconsin Institute for Healthcare Systems Engineering, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Perelas A, Kirincich J, Yadav R, Ennala S, Wang X, Sadana D, Duggal A, Krishnan S. Diagnostic Yield, Radiation Exposure, and the Role of Clinical Decision Rules to Limit Computed Tomographic Pulmonary Angiography-Associated Complications. J Patient Saf 2023; 19:532-538. [PMID: 37883056 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000001167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CT-PA) is associated with significant cost, contrast, and radiation exposure. Clinical decision rules (CDRs) reduce the need for diagnostic imaging; however, their utility in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) remains unknown. We explored the diagnostic yield and complications associated with CT-PA (radiation exposure and contrast-induced acute kidney injury [AKI]) while investigating the efficacy of CDRs to reduce unnecessary testing. METHODS All CT-PAs performed in an academic MICU for 4 years were retrospectively reviewed. The Wells and revised Geneva scores (CDRs) and radiation dose per CT-PA were calculated, and the incidence of post-CT-PA AKI was recorded. RESULTS A total of 439 studies were analyzed; the diagnostic yield was 11% (48 PEs). Positive CT-PAs were associated with a higher Wells score (5.8 versus 3.2, P < 0.001), but similar revised Geneva scores (6.4 versus 6.0, P = 0.32). A Wells score of ≥4 had a positive likelihood ratio of 2.1 with a negative predictive value of 98.2. More than half (88.9%) of patients with a Wells score of ≤4 developed an AKI, with 55.6% of those having recovery of renal function. CONCLUSIONS There is overutilization of CT-PA in the MICU. The Wells score retains its negative predictive value in critically ill adult patients and may aid to limit radiation exposure and contrast-induced AKI in MICU.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiaofeng Wang
- Quantitative Health Sciences Department, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
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Thurlow LE, Van Dam PJ, Prior SJ, Tran V. How Tasmanian Emergency Departments 'Choose Wisely' When Investigating Suspected Pulmonary Embolism. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11111599. [PMID: 37297739 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11111599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Overuse of computed tomography pulmonary angiograms (CTPAs) for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) has been recognised as an issue for over ten years, with Choosing Wisely Australia recommending that CTPAs only be ordered if indicated by a clinical practice guideline (CPG). This study aimed to explore the use of evidence-based practice within regional Tasmanian emergency departments in relation to CTPA orders by determining whether CTPAs were ordered in accordance with validated CPGs. We conducted a retrospective medical record review of all patients who underwent CTPA across all public emergency departments in Tasmania between 1 August 2018 and 31 December 2019 inclusive. Data from 2758 CTPAs across four emergency departments were included. PE was reported in 343 (12.4%) of CTPAs conducted, with yield ranging from 8.2% to 16.1% between the four sites. Overall, 52.1% of participants had neither a CPG documented, nor a D-dimer conducted before their scan. A CPG was documented before 11.8% of scans, while D-dimer was conducted before 43% of CTPAs. The findings presented in this study indicate that Tasmanian emergency departments are not consistently 'Choosing Wisely' when investigating PE. Further research is required to identify explanations for these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Thurlow
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Pieter J Van Dam
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Burnie, TAS 7320, Australia
| | - Sarah J Prior
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Burnie, TAS 7320, Australia
| | - Viet Tran
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
- Emergency Department, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
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Kharawala A, Seo J, Barzallo D, Romero GH, Demirhan YE, Duarte GJ, Vegivinti CTR, Hache-Marliere M, Balasubramanian P, Santos HT, Nagraj S, Alhuarrat MAD, Karamanis D, Varrias D, Palaiodimos L. Assessment of the Utilization of Validated Diagnostic Predictive Tools and D-Dimer in the Evaluation of Pulmonary Embolism: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study from a Public Hospital in New York City. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113629. [PMID: 37297824 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A significant increase in the use of computed tomography with pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) has been observed in the past twenty years. We aimed to investigate whether the validated diagnostic predictive tools and D-dimers were adequately utilized in a large public hospital in New York City. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent CTPA for the specific indication of ruling out PE over a period of one year. Two independent reviewers, blinded to each other and to the CTPA and D-dimer results, estimated the clinical probability (CP) of PE using Well's score, the YEARS algorithm, and the revised Geneva score. Patients were classified based on the presence or absence of PE in the CTPA. RESULTS A total of 917 patients were included in the analysis (median age: 57 years, female: 59%). The clinical probability of PE was considered low by both independent reviewers in 563 (61.4%), 487 (55%), and 184 (20.1%) patients based on Well's score, the YEARS algorithm, and the revised Geneva score, respectively. D-dimer testing was conducted in less than half of the patients who were deemed to have low CP for PE by both independent reviewers. Using a D-dimer cut-off of <500 ng/mL or the age-adjusted cut-off in patients with a low CP of PE would have missed only a small number of mainly subsegmental PE. All three tools, when combined with D-dimer < 500 ng/mL or <age-adjusted cut-off, yielded a NPV of > 95%. CONCLUSION All three validated diagnostic predictive tools were found to have significant diagnostic value in ruling out PE when combined with a D-dimer cut-off of <500 ng/mL or the age-adjusted cut-off. Excessive use of CTPA was likely secondary to suboptimal use of diagnostic predictive tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrin Kharawala
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Jiyoung Seo
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Diego Barzallo
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Gabriel Hernandez Romero
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Yunus Emre Demirhan
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Gustavo J Duarte
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Charan Thej Reddy Vegivinti
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Manuel Hache-Marliere
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Prasanth Balasubramanian
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Heitor Tavares Santos
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Sanjana Nagraj
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Majd Al Deen Alhuarrat
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamanis
- Department of Economics, University of Piraeus, 18534 Attica, Greece
- Department of Health Informatics, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
| | - Dimitrios Varrias
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Leonidas Palaiodimos
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- School of Medicine, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
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Characteristics associated with diagnostic yield of imaging for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the emergency department, hospital, and office settings: An Optum Clinformatics claims database study (2015-2019). Thromb Res 2023; 224:4-12. [PMID: 36774701 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different patient characteristics influence the decision to order diagnostic imaging for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in different settings (emergency department (ED), hospital, and office). Diagnostic yield is defined as the proportion of tests that report positive results. We hypothesize different patient characteristics are associated with higher or lower diagnostic yield of imaging for DVT and PE in different settings. METHODS We used Optum Clinformatics™ national claims database (2015-2019) to assess the diagnostic yield of imaging for DVT and PE in three settings: (a) ED discharge, (b) Hospitalized, and (c) Office. We studied the patient characteristics associated with diagnostic yield using logistic regression. RESULTS Diagnostic imaging for DVT and PE was performed in 1,502,417 and 710,263 visits, respectively. Diagnostic yield for DVT and PE was 9.8 ± 0.1 % and 12.7 ± 0.1 %, respectively in the overall cohort. In the ED discharge, hospitalized, and office settings, diagnostic yield for DVT was 10.4 ± 0.1 %, 16.9 ± 0.1 %, and 6.5 ± 0.1 %, respectively, and that for PE 6.4 ± 0.1 %, 18.7 ± 0.1 %, and 8.8 ± 0.2 %, respectively. Of the patients who underwent imaging for DVT, higher diagnostic yield was more likely with thrombophilia, central venous access, and cancer. Of the patients who underwent imaging for PE, higher diagnostic yield was most likely with thrombophilia, respiratory failure, and heart failure or acute myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS In each setting, different patient characteristics influence the diagnostic yield of imaging for DVT and PE and can inform clinical practice. Judicious use of imaging for DVT and PE could reduce costs and avoid exposure to radiation and contrast.
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Loyzer MN, Seidel JS, Hartery A. CTPA ordering trends in local emergency departments: are they increasing and did they increase as a result of COVID-19? Emerg Radiol 2023; 30:197-202. [PMID: 36913060 PMCID: PMC10010201 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-023-02124-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ordering trends for computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) studies by local emergency departments were assessed, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these ordering trends and CTPA positivity rates. METHODS A retrospective quantitative analysis was performed on all CTPA studies ordered between February 2018 - January 2022 by three local tertiary care emergency rooms to investigate for pulmonary embolism. Data collected from the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic was compared to the two years prior to the pandemic to assess for significant changes in ordering trends and positivity rates. RESULTS The overall number of CTPA studies ordered increased from 534 studies in 2018-2019 to 657 in 2021-2022 and the rate of positive diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism varied between 15.8% to 19.5% over the four years studied. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of CTPA studies ordered when comparing the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic to the two years immediately prior; however, the positivity rate was significantly higher during the first two years of the pandemic. CONCLUSION Over the studied period from 2018-2022, the overall number of CTPA studies ordered by local emergency departments has increased, in line with literature reports from other locations. There was also a correlation between the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and CTPA positivity rates, possibly secondary to the prothrombotic nature of this infection or the increase in sedentary lifestyles during lockdown periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa N Loyzer
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
| | - Jason S Seidel
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Angus Hartery
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Xiao L, Wang M, Yang S, Li S, Huang Q, Xu L, Li Y, Fu Y. The diagnostic potential of plasma SCUBE-1 concentration for pulmonary embolism: A pilot study. THE CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2023; 17:263-269. [PMID: 36748401 PMCID: PMC10113275 DOI: 10.1111/crj.13588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to investigate the potential application of plasma signal peptide-complement C1r/C1s, Uegf and Bmp1-epidermal growth factor domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE-1) as a biomarker in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 177 patients who underwent PE diagnostic test and 87 healthy controls. The results of CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) were used as reference standards for PE diagnosis. The levels of SCUBE-1 and D-dimer in participants' plasma were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared among patients with confirmed PE, suspicious PE and healthy controls. The diagnostic values were analysed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. In addition, differences in plasma SCUBE-1 levels were compared among patients with different risk stratifications. RESULTS The plasma SCUBE-1 concentration levels in patients with CTPA confirmed PE (14.28 ± 7.74 ng/ml) was significantly higher than those in the suspicious patients (11.11 ± 4.48 ng/ml) and in healthy control (4.40 ± 3.23 ng/ml) (P < 0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that at the cut-off of 7.789 ng/ml, SCUBE-1 has significant diagnostic value in differentiating PE patients from healthy control (AUC = 0.919, sensitivity = 81.25%, specificity = 92.13%), and the performance is more accurate than D-dimer (cut-off 273.4 ng/ml, AUC = 0.648, sensitivity = 65.75%, specificity = 67.42%). The combination of D-dimer with SCUBE-1 did not further improve the diagnostic value. However, SCUBE-1 did not show significant diagnostic value in identifying PE among suspicious patients There was no significant difference in SCUBE-1 level among different risk groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION We believe that SCUBE-1 could be a potential coagulation-related marker for the diagnosis of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Xiao
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People' s Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minlian Wang
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People' s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sicong Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat sen University (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Shulin Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People' s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qijun Huang
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People' s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lan Xu
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People' s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yazhen Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People' s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yingyun Fu
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People' s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Hadid AM, Jalabi A, Anka M, Cevik AA. Poor adherence to the recommended pulmonary embolism diagnostic pathway in the emergency department: A retrospective cohort study. Turk J Emerg Med 2023; 23:44-51. [PMID: 36818944 PMCID: PMC9930389 DOI: 10.4103/2452-2473.366486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pulmonary embolus (PE) is a form of venous thromboembolism associated with increased morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed and treated early. Variations in clinical presentation make the diagnosis challenging. The gold standard for diagnosing PE is a computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA). Physicians show a low threshold for over-investigating PE. The evaluation of patients with suspected PE should be efficient, including but not limited to the use of risk stratification methods. This study aims to assess the adherence to the recommended diagnostic pathways of ordering CTPAs in patients with suspected PE. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included patients above 18 years of age who received a CTPA for a suspected PE in the emergency department (ED) of a hospital between 2015 and 2019. Patient demographic data, chief complaint, variables of the Wells and pulmonary emboli rule-out criteria scores, pregnancy status, investigations, and the patient's final PE diagnosis were extracted from the hospital electronic medical records. Diagnostic pathways that took place were compared to the internationally recommended pathway. RESULTS Four hundred and eighty-six patients were included in this study. The mean age was 51.01 (±19.5) years, and 377 (69.3%) patients were female. The recommended PE diagnostic pathway to order CTPA was incorrectly followed in 288 patients (59.3%). Seventy-five (15.4%) patients received an unnecessary CTPA. D-dimer test was ordered unnecessarily in 144 patients (29.6%). The overall prevalence of PE in our population was 9.47% (n: 46). Out of the 75 unnecessarily ordered CTPAs, 2 (2.7%) showed PE, while CTPAs ordered using the correct pathway showed 31 (10.9%) PEs. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that approximately two-thirds of all CTPA requests did not adhere to the recommended PE clinical decision pathway. There was a significant improper and unnecessary utilization of CTPA imaging and D-dimer testing. Improvements seem imperative to enhance physicians' clinical approach to PE diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alia M. Hadid
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, UAE,Address for correspondence: Dr. Alia M. Hadid, Department of Emergency Medicine, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, UAE. E-mail:
| | - Ala Jalabi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Mahmoud Anka
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Arif Alper Cevik
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, UAE,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
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Electronic Health Record Order Entry-Based Interventions in Response to a Global Iodinated Contrast Media Shortage: Impact on Contrast-Enhanced CT Utilization. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2023; 220:134-140. [PMID: 35920705 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.22.28143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND. Radiology informatics systems and clinical decision support tools in the electronic health record (EHR) can be leveraged to help impact ordering patterns in response to the ongoing global iodinated contrast media shortage. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to assess the impact of EHR order entry-based interventions, implemented as part of a health system's response to the global contrast media shortage, on contrast-enhanced CT utilization. METHODS. This retrospective study included 79,259 patients who underwent CT at a large multisite health system between April 1, 2022, and July 3, 2022. Two EHR-based interventions were implemented as part of the health system's response to the global contrast media shortage. A first EHR-based intervention on May 10, 2022, entailed creating an alert that appeared in a sidebar after any contrast-enhanced body CT orders, indicating the present shortage and recommending alternate imaging modalities. A second EHR-based intervention on May 16, 2022, required referrers to enter detailed clinical information for all contrast-enhanced body CT orders, which radiologists used when protocoling examinations. Data regarding CT orders and examinations performed were extracted from the electronic data warehouse. RESULTS. During the preintervention, first postintervention, and second postintervention periods, the mean number of patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CT per weekday was 726, 689, and 639, respectively (p for preintervention vs second postintervention periods, < .001). During the three periods, the mean number of patients who underwent CT per weekday was 1350, 1323, and 1314 (p < .001). During the three periods, the mean number of patients who underwent contrast-enhanced body CT per weekday was 561, 532, and 492 (p < .001). During the three periods, the mean number of orders for CT with IV contrast media per weekday was 154, 143, and 131 (p < .001). During the three periods, the mean number of orders for CT without IV contrast media per weekday was 196, 202, and 221 (p < .001). CONCLUSION. EHR order entry-based interventions implemented in response to the global contrast media shortage significantly reduced contrast-enhanced CT utilization in a large health system. CLINICAL IMPACT. The findings indicate the ability to rapidly achieve changes in ordering clinician behavior and subsequent clinical practice using systemwide EHR changes.
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Medson K, Yu J, Liwenborg L, Lindholm P, Westerlund E. Comparing ‘clinical hunch’ against clinical decision support systems (PERC rule, wells score, revised Geneva score and YEARS criteria) in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. BMC Pulm Med 2022; 22:432. [DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-02242-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and potentially life-threatening condition. Since it is considered a ‘do not miss’ diagnosis, PE tends to be over-investigated beyond the evidence-based clinical decision support systems (CDSS), which in turn subjects patients to unnecessary radiation and contrast agent exposure with no apparent benefits in terms of outcome.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the yield of ‘clinical hunch’ (gestalt) and four CDSS: the PERC Rule, Wells score, revised Geneva score, and Years criteria.
Methods
A review was conducted on the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) of 1566 patients from the Emergency Department at a tertiary teaching hospital who underwent CTPA from the 1st of January 2018 to the 31st of December 2019. The scores for the four CDSS were calculated retrospectively from the EMR data. We considered that a CTPA had been ordered on a clinical hunch when there was no mention of CDSS in the EMR, and no D-dimer test. A bypass of CDSS was confirmed when any step of the diagnostic algorithms was not followed.
Results
Of the total 1566 patients who underwent CTPA, 265 (17%) were positive for PE. The diagnosis yield from the five decision groups (clinical hunch and four CDSS) was as follows—clinical hunch, 15%; PERC rule, 18% (6% when bypassed); Wells score, 19% (11% when bypassed); revised Geneva score, 26% (13% when bypassed); and YEARS criteria, 18% (6% when bypassed).
Conclusion
Clinicians should trust the evidence-based clinical decision support systems in line with the international guidelines to diagnose PE.
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Use of predictive scales for pulmonary thromboembolism in an emergency department. Med Clin (Barc) 2022; 159:483-485. [PMID: 35680450 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2022.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Diagnosing pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is difficult. Clinical probability scales (CPS) can help. The aim is to find out which one is the best. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional single-center study was conducted. It evaluated four CPS (Pulmonary Embolism Rule Out Criteria [PERC], Wells, Geneva, and YEARS criteria) validity in 200 patients who underwent computerized tomography angiography of the pulmonary arteries. Their degree of use was estimated, as well as the possible correlation between them and DD (D dimer). RESULTS The four CPS have a high sensitivity, close to 1 and without differences between them. The YEARS scale is between 2 and 4 times more specific than the others. The degree of use of the scales was estimated at 14% (95% CI: 9.19-18.81). A weak positive correlation was found between the scores on the Wells and Geneva scales and the DD. CONCLUSIONS The YEARS scale is shown to be better than the others due to its potential greater number of imaging tests avoided and the degree of application of the CPS could be improved.
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Thurlow LE, Van Dam PJ, Prior SJ, Tran V. Use of Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography in Emergency Departments: A Literature Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10050753. [PMID: 35627890 PMCID: PMC9140691 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10050753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) has become the most widely used technique for diagnosis or exclusion of a pulmonary embolism (PE). It has been suggested that overuse of this imaging type may be prevalent, especially in emergency departments (EDs). The purpose of this literature review was to explore the use of CTPAs in EDs worldwide. A review following PRISMA guidelines was completed, with research published between September 2010 and August 2020 included. Five key topics emerged: use of CTPAs; explanations for overuse; use of D-dimer; variability in ordering practices between clinicians; and strategies to reduce overuse. This review found that CTPAs continue to be overused in EDs, leading to superfluous risks to patients. Published studies identify that while clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have a strong effect on reducing unnecessary CTPAs with no significantly increased risk of missed diagnosis, the adoption of these tools by ED clinicians has remained low. This literature review highlights the need for further research into why CTPAs continue to be overused within EDs and why clinicians are hesitant to use CPGs in the clinical setting. Moreover, investigations into other potential strategies that may combat the overuse of this diagnostic tool are essential to reduce potential harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Thurlow
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Pieter J. Van Dam
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Burnie, TAS 7320, Australia;
| | - Sarah J. Prior
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Burnie, TAS 7320, Australia;
| | - Viet Tran
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia;
- Emergency Department, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
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Linna N, Kahn CE. Applications of Natural Language Processing in Radiology: A Systematic Review. Int J Med Inform 2022; 163:104779. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2022.104779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Tadavarthi Y, Makeeva V, Wagstaff W, Zhan H, Podlasek A, Bhatia N, Heilbrun M, Krupinski E, Safdar N, Banerjee I, Gichoya J, Trivedi H. Overview of Noninterpretive Artificial Intelligence Models for Safety, Quality, Workflow, and Education Applications in Radiology Practice. Radiol Artif Intell 2022; 4:e210114. [PMID: 35391770 DOI: 10.1148/ryai.210114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Artificial intelligence has become a ubiquitous term in radiology over the past several years, and much attention has been given to applications that aid radiologists in the detection of abnormalities and diagnosis of diseases. However, there are many potential applications related to radiologic image quality, safety, and workflow improvements that present equal, if not greater, value propositions to radiology practices, insurance companies, and hospital systems. This review focuses on six major categories for artificial intelligence applications: study selection and protocoling, image acquisition, worklist prioritization, study reporting, business applications, and resident education. All of these categories can substantially affect different aspects of radiology practices and workflows. Each of these categories has different value propositions in terms of whether they could be used to increase efficiency, improve patient safety, increase revenue, or save costs. Each application is covered in depth in the context of both current and future areas of work. Keywords: Use of AI in Education, Application Domain, Supervised Learning, Safety © RSNA, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasasvi Tadavarthi
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Ga (Y.T.); Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (V.M., W.W., H.Z., M.H., E.K., N.S., J.G., H.T.), School of Medicine (N.B.), and Department of Biomedical Informatics (I.B.), Emory University, 1364 E Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322; and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK (A.P.)
| | - Valeria Makeeva
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Ga (Y.T.); Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (V.M., W.W., H.Z., M.H., E.K., N.S., J.G., H.T.), School of Medicine (N.B.), and Department of Biomedical Informatics (I.B.), Emory University, 1364 E Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322; and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK (A.P.)
| | - William Wagstaff
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Ga (Y.T.); Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (V.M., W.W., H.Z., M.H., E.K., N.S., J.G., H.T.), School of Medicine (N.B.), and Department of Biomedical Informatics (I.B.), Emory University, 1364 E Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322; and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK (A.P.)
| | - Henry Zhan
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Ga (Y.T.); Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (V.M., W.W., H.Z., M.H., E.K., N.S., J.G., H.T.), School of Medicine (N.B.), and Department of Biomedical Informatics (I.B.), Emory University, 1364 E Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322; and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK (A.P.)
| | - Anna Podlasek
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Ga (Y.T.); Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (V.M., W.W., H.Z., M.H., E.K., N.S., J.G., H.T.), School of Medicine (N.B.), and Department of Biomedical Informatics (I.B.), Emory University, 1364 E Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322; and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK (A.P.)
| | - Neil Bhatia
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Ga (Y.T.); Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (V.M., W.W., H.Z., M.H., E.K., N.S., J.G., H.T.), School of Medicine (N.B.), and Department of Biomedical Informatics (I.B.), Emory University, 1364 E Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322; and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK (A.P.)
| | - Marta Heilbrun
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Ga (Y.T.); Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (V.M., W.W., H.Z., M.H., E.K., N.S., J.G., H.T.), School of Medicine (N.B.), and Department of Biomedical Informatics (I.B.), Emory University, 1364 E Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322; and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK (A.P.)
| | - Elizabeth Krupinski
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Ga (Y.T.); Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (V.M., W.W., H.Z., M.H., E.K., N.S., J.G., H.T.), School of Medicine (N.B.), and Department of Biomedical Informatics (I.B.), Emory University, 1364 E Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322; and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK (A.P.)
| | - Nabile Safdar
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Ga (Y.T.); Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (V.M., W.W., H.Z., M.H., E.K., N.S., J.G., H.T.), School of Medicine (N.B.), and Department of Biomedical Informatics (I.B.), Emory University, 1364 E Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322; and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK (A.P.)
| | - Imon Banerjee
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Ga (Y.T.); Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (V.M., W.W., H.Z., M.H., E.K., N.S., J.G., H.T.), School of Medicine (N.B.), and Department of Biomedical Informatics (I.B.), Emory University, 1364 E Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322; and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK (A.P.)
| | - Judy Gichoya
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Ga (Y.T.); Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (V.M., W.W., H.Z., M.H., E.K., N.S., J.G., H.T.), School of Medicine (N.B.), and Department of Biomedical Informatics (I.B.), Emory University, 1364 E Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322; and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK (A.P.)
| | - Hari Trivedi
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Ga (Y.T.); Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (V.M., W.W., H.Z., M.H., E.K., N.S., J.G., H.T.), School of Medicine (N.B.), and Department of Biomedical Informatics (I.B.), Emory University, 1364 E Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322; and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK (A.P.)
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Prentice D, Wipke-Tevis DD. Adherence to Best Practice Advice for Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism. CLIN NURSE SPEC 2021; 36:52-61. [PMID: 34843194 DOI: 10.1097/nur.0000000000000642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study evaluated clinician adherence to the American College of Physicians Best Practice Advice for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. DESIGN A prospective, single-center, descriptive design was utilized. METHODS A heterogeneous sample of 111 hemodynamically stable adult inpatients with a computed tomography pulmonary angiogram ordered was consented. Electronic medical records were reviewed for demographic and clinical variables to determine adherence. The 6 individual best practice statements and the overall adherence were evaluated by taking the sum of "yes" answers divided by the sample size. RESULTS Overall adherence was 0%. Partial adherence was observed with clinician-recorded clinical decisions rules and obtaining d-dimer (3.6% [4/111] and 10.2% [9/88], respectively) of low/intermediate probability scorers. Age adjustment of d-dimer was not recorded. Computed tomography pulmonary angiogram was the first diagnostic test in 89.7% (79/88) in low/intermediate probability patients. CONCLUSION In hemodynamically stable, hospitalized adults, adherence to best practice guidelines for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was minimal. Clinical utility of the guidelines in hospitalized adults needs further evaluation. Systems problems (eg, lack of standardized orders, age-adjusted d-dimer values, information technology support) likely contributed to poor guideline adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Prentice
- Author Affiliations: Research Scientist, Department of Research for Patient Care Services, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St Louis, Missouri (Dr Prentice); and Associate Professor, Interim Assistant Dean of Research, and PhD Program Director, Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri, Columbia (Dr Wipke-Tevis)
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17
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Ehrman RR, Malik AN, Smith RK, Kalarikkal Z, Huang A, King RM, Green RD, O'Neil BJ, Sherwin RL. Serial use of existing clinical decisions aids can reduce computed tomography pulmonary angiography for pulmonary embolism. Intern Emerg Med 2021; 16:2251-2259. [PMID: 33742340 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-021-02703-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a diagnostic challenge in emergency medicine. Clinical decision aids (CDAs) like the Pulmonary Embolism Rule-Out Criteria (PERC) are sensitive but poorly specific; serial CDA use may improve specificity. The goal of this before-and-after study was to determine if serial use of existing CDAs in a novel diagnostic algorithm safely decreases the use of CT pulmonary angiograms (CTPA). This was a retrospective before-and-after study conducted at an urban ED with 105,000 annual visits. Our algorithm uses PERC, Wells' score, and D-dimer in series, before moving to CTPA. The algorithm was introduced in January, 2017. Use of CDAs and D-dimer in the 24 months pre- and 12 months post-intervention were obtained by chart review. The algorithm's effect on CTPA ordering was assessed by comparing volume 5 years pre- and 3 years post-intervention, adjusted for ED volume. Mean CTPAs per 1000 adult ED visits was 11.1 in the 5 pre-intervention years and 9.9 in the 3 post-intervention years (p < 0.0001). Use of PERC, Wells' score and D-dimer increased from 1.1%, 1.1%, and 28% to 8.8% (p = 0.0002) 8.1% (p = 0.0005), and 35% (p = 0.0066), respectively. Pre-intervention, there were six potentially missed PEs compared to three in the post-intervention period. Introduction of our serial CDA diagnostic algorithm was associated with increased use of CDAs and D-dimer and reduced CTPA rate without an apparent increase in the number of missed PEs. Prospective validation is needed to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Russell Ehrman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine; Detroit Medical Center/Sinai-Grace Hospital, 4201 St. Antoine, Suite 6G, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Adrienne Nicole Malik
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine; Detroit Medical Center/Sinai-Grace Hospital, 4201 St. Antoine, Suite 6G, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Reid Kenneth Smith
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine; Detroit Medical Center/Sinai-Grace Hospital, 4201 St. Antoine, Suite 6G, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Zeid Kalarikkal
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine; Detroit Medical Center/Sinai-Grace Hospital, 4201 St. Antoine, Suite 6G, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Andrew Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine; Detroit Medical Center/Sinai-Grace Hospital, 4201 St. Antoine, Suite 6G, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Ryan Michael King
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine; Detroit Medical Center/Sinai-Grace Hospital, 4201 St. Antoine, Suite 6G, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Rubin David Green
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine; Detroit Medical Center/Sinai-Grace Hospital, 4201 St. Antoine, Suite 6G, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Brian James O'Neil
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine; Detroit Medical Center/Detroit Receiving Hospital, Detroit, USA
| | - Robert Leigh Sherwin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine; Detroit Medical Center/Sinai-Grace Hospital, 4201 St. Antoine, Suite 6G, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
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18
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Bledsoe JR, Kelly C, Stevens SM, Woller SC, Haug P, Lloyd JF, Allen TL, Butler AM, Jacobs JR, Elliott CG. Electronic pulmonary embolism clinical decision support and effect on yield of computerized tomographic pulmonary angiography: ePE-A pragmatic prospective cohort study. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2021; 2:e12488. [PMID: 34263250 PMCID: PMC8254596 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Multiple professional societies recommend pre-test probability (PTP) assessment prior to imaging in the evaluation of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE), however, PTP testing remains uncommon, with imaging occurring frequently and rates of confirmed PE remaining low. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of a clinical decision support tool embedded into the electronic health record to improve the diagnostic yield of computerized tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in suspected patients with PE in the emergency department (ED). METHODS Between July 24, 2014 and December 31, 2016, 4 hospitals from a healthcare system embedded an optional electronic clinical decision support system to assist in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (ePE). This system employs the Pulmonary Embolism Rule-out Criteria (PERC) and revised Geneva Score (RGS) in series prior to CT imaging. We compared the diagnostic yield of CTPA) among patients for whom the physician opted to use ePE versus the diagnostic yield of CTPA when ePE was not used. RESULTS During the 2.5-year study period, 37,288 adult patients were eligible and included for study evaluation. Of eligible patients, 1949 of 37,288 (5.2%) were enrolled by activation of the tool. A total of 16,526 CTPAs were performed system-wide. When ePE was not engaged, CTPA was positive for PE in 1556 of 15,546 scans for a positive yield of 10.0%. When ePE was used, CTPA identified PE in 211 of 980 scans (21.5% yield) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS ePE significantly increased the diagnostic yield of CTPA without missing 30-day clinically overt PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R. Bledsoe
- Department of Emergency MedicineHealthcare Delivery InstituteIntermountain HealthcareMurrayUtahUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineStanford MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Christopher Kelly
- Department of SurgeryDivision of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Utah School of MedicineSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Scott M. Stevens
- Department of MedicineIntermountain Medical CenterMurrayUtahUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Utah School of MedicineSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Scott C. Woller
- Department of MedicineIntermountain Medical CenterMurrayUtahUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Utah School of MedicineSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Peter Haug
- Medical InformaticsIntermountain HealthcareMurrayUtahUSA
| | - James F. Lloyd
- Medical InformaticsIntermountain HealthcareMurrayUtahUSA
| | - Todd L. Allen
- Department of Emergency MedicineHealthcare Delivery InstituteIntermountain HealthcareMurrayUtahUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineStanford MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | - C. Gregory Elliott
- Department of MedicineIntermountain Medical CenterMurrayUtahUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Utah School of MedicineSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
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Casey A, Davidson E, Poon M, Dong H, Duma D, Grivas A, Grover C, Suárez-Paniagua V, Tobin R, Whiteley W, Wu H, Alex B. A systematic review of natural language processing applied to radiology reports. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2021; 21:179. [PMID: 34082729 PMCID: PMC8176715 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-021-01533-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural language processing (NLP) has a significant role in advancing healthcare and has been found to be key in extracting structured information from radiology reports. Understanding recent developments in NLP application to radiology is of significance but recent reviews on this are limited. This study systematically assesses and quantifies recent literature in NLP applied to radiology reports. METHODS We conduct an automated literature search yielding 4836 results using automated filtering, metadata enriching steps and citation search combined with manual review. Our analysis is based on 21 variables including radiology characteristics, NLP methodology, performance, study, and clinical application characteristics. RESULTS We present a comprehensive analysis of the 164 publications retrieved with publications in 2019 almost triple those in 2015. Each publication is categorised into one of 6 clinical application categories. Deep learning use increases in the period but conventional machine learning approaches are still prevalent. Deep learning remains challenged when data is scarce and there is little evidence of adoption into clinical practice. Despite 17% of studies reporting greater than 0.85 F1 scores, it is hard to comparatively evaluate these approaches given that most of them use different datasets. Only 14 studies made their data and 15 their code available with 10 externally validating results. CONCLUSIONS Automated understanding of clinical narratives of the radiology reports has the potential to enhance the healthcare process and we show that research in this field continues to grow. Reproducibility and explainability of models are important if the domain is to move applications into clinical use. More could be done to share code enabling validation of methods on different institutional data and to reduce heterogeneity in reporting of study properties allowing inter-study comparisons. Our results have significance for researchers in the field providing a systematic synthesis of existing work to build on, identify gaps, opportunities for collaboration and avoid duplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlene Casey
- School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Emma Davidson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Michael Poon
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Hang Dong
- Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Health Data Research UK, London, UK
| | - Daniel Duma
- School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Andreas Grivas
- Institute for Language, Cognition and Computation, School of informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Claire Grover
- Institute for Language, Cognition and Computation, School of informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Víctor Suárez-Paniagua
- Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Health Data Research UK, London, UK
| | - Richard Tobin
- Institute for Language, Cognition and Computation, School of informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - William Whiteley
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Honghan Wu
- Health Data Research UK, London, UK
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Beatrice Alex
- School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Edinburgh Futures Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
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Franciosi AN, McCarthy C. Pulmonary Embolism Prevalence Among Hospitalized Patients With COPD. JAMA 2021; 325:1902-1903. [PMID: 33974025 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2021.3244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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21
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Debnath J, Sharma V. Assessing Pretest Probability in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Thromboembolism: Is it Time to Incorporate Point-of-Care Compression Ultrasonography (POC CUS) in the Existing Scoring Systems? J Emerg Med 2021; 60:e136-e137. [PMID: 34016385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2020.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivek Sharma
- Formerly, Army Hospital Research and Referral, New Delhi, India
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22
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Kharbanda AB, Vazquez-Benitez G, Ballard DW, Vinson DR, Chettipally UK, Dehmer SP, Ekstrom H, Rauchwerger AS, McMichael B, Cotton DM, Kene MV, Simon LE, Zhu J, Warton EM, O’Connor PJ, Kharbanda EO. Effect of Clinical Decision Support on Diagnostic Imaging for Pediatric Appendicitis: A Cluster Randomized Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2036344. [PMID: 33560426 PMCID: PMC7873779 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.36344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Appendicitis is the most common pediatric surgical emergency. Efforts to improve efficiency and quality of care have increased reliance on computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (US) in children with suspected appendicitis. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of an electronic health record-linked clinical decision support intervention, AppyCDS, on diagnostic imaging, health care costs, and safety outcomes for patients with suspected appendicitis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this parallel, cluster randomized trial, 17 community-based general emergency departments (EDs) in California, Minnesota, and Wisconsin were randomized to the AppyCDS intervention group or usual care (UC) group. Patients were aged 5 to 20 years, presenting for an ED visit with right-sided or diffuse abdominal pain lasting 5 days or less. We excluded pregnant patients, those with a prior appendectomy, those with selected comorbidities, and those with traumatic injuries. The trial was conducted from October 2016 to July 2019. INTERVENTIONS AppyCDS prompted data entry at the point of care to estimate appendicitis risk using the pediatric appendicitis risk calculator (pARC). Based on pARC estimates, AppyCDS recommended next steps in care. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Primary outcomes were CT, US, or any imaging (CT or US) during the index ED visit. Safety outcomes were perforations, negative appendectomies, and missed appendicitis. Costs were a secondary outcome. Ratio of ratios (RORs) for primary and safety outcomes and differences by group in cost were used to evaluate effectiveness of the clinical decision support tool. RESULTS We enrolled 3161 patients at intervention EDs and 2779 patients at UC EDs. The mean age of patients was 11.9 (4.6) years and 2614 (44.0%) were boys or young men. RORs for CT (0.94; 95% CI, 0.75-1.19), US (0.98; 95% CI, 0.84-1.14), and any imaging (0.96; 95% CI, 0.86-1.07) did not differ by study group. In an exploratory analysis conducted in 1 health system, AppyCDS was associated with a reduction in any imaging (ROR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.73- 0.93) for patients with pARC score of 15% or less and a reduction in CT (ROR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.45-0.74) for patients with a pARC score of 16% to 50%. Perforations, negative appendectomies, and cases of missed appendicitis by study phase did not differ significantly by study group. Costs did not differ overall by study group. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, AppyCDS was not associated with overall reductions in diagnostic imaging; exploratory analysis revealed more appropriate use of imaging in patients with a low pARC score. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02633735.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam B. Kharbanda
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Children’s Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | | | - Dustin W. Ballard
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California
- The Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, Oakland, California
| | - David R. Vinson
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California
- The Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, Oakland, California
| | | | - Steven P. Dehmer
- Division of Research, HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Heidi Ekstrom
- Division of Research, HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Adina S. Rauchwerger
- The Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, Oakland, California
| | - Brianna McMichael
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Children’s Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | | | | | - Laura E. Simon
- The Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, Oakland, California
| | - Jingyi Zhu
- Division of Research, HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - E. Margaret Warton
- The Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, Oakland, California
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23
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Salehi L, Phalpher P, Yu H, Jaskolka J, Ossip M, Meaney C, Valani R, Mercuri M. Utilization of serum D-dimer assays prior to computed tomography pulmonary angiography scans in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism among emergency department physicians: a retrospective observational study. BMC Emerg Med 2021; 21:10. [PMID: 33468044 PMCID: PMC7814629 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-021-00401-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A variety of evidence-based algorithms and decision rules using D-Dimer testing have been proposed as instruments to allow physicians to safely rule out a pulmonary embolism (PE) in low-risk patients. Objective To describe the prevalence of D-Dimer utilization among emergency department (ED) physicians and its impact on positive yields and utilization rates of Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA). Methods Data was collected on all CTPA studies ordered by ED physicians at three sites during a 2-year period. Using a chi-square test, we compared the diagnostic yield for those patients who had a D-Dimer prior to their CTPA and those who did not. Secondary analysis was done to examine the impact of D-Dimer testing prior to CTPA on individual physician diagnostic yield or utilization rate. Results A total of 2811 CTPAs were included in the analysis. Of these, 964 CTPAs (34.3%) were ordered without a D-Dimer, and 343 (18.7%) underwent a CTPA despite a negative D-Dimer. Those CTPAs preceded by a D-Dimer showed no significant difference in positive yields when compared to those ordered without a D-Dimer (9.9% versus 11.3%, p = 0.26). At the individual physician level, no statistically significant relationship was found between D-Dimer utilization and CTPA utilization rate or diagnostic yield. Conclusion This study provides evidence of suboptimal adherence to guidelines in terms of D-Dimer screening prior to CTPA, and forgoing CTPAs in patients with negative D-Dimers. However, the lack of a positive impact of D-Dimer testing on either CTPA diagnostic yield or utilization rate is indicative of issues relating to the high false-positive rates associated with D-Dimer screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Salehi
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 6th floor, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Emergency Medicine, William Osler Health System, Suite S.1.184, 2100 Bovaird Avenue East, Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Prashant Phalpher
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 6th floor, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Emergency Medicine, William Osler Health System, Suite S.1.184, 2100 Bovaird Avenue East, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hubert Yu
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Jaskolka
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, William Osler Health System, 2100 Bovaird Avenue East, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc Ossip
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, William Osler Health System, 2100 Bovaird Avenue East, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Meaney
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 6th floor, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rahim Valani
- Department of Emergency Medicine, William Osler Health System, Suite S.1.184, 2100 Bovaird Avenue East, Brampton, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster Clinic, 2nd floor, 237 Barton Street East, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mathew Mercuri
- Division of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster Clinic, 2nd floor, 237 Barton Street East, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Fang C, Garzillo G, Batohi B, Teo JTH, Berovic M, Sidhu PS, Robbie H. Extent of pulmonary thromboembolic disease in patients with COVID-19 on CT: relationship with pulmonary parenchymal disease. Clin Radiol 2020; 75:780-788. [PMID: 32684301 PMCID: PMC7351373 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
AIM To report the severity and extent of pulmonary thromboembolic disease (PTD) in COVID-19 patients undergoing computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in a tertiary centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of COVID-19 patients undergoing CTPA over a period of 27 days. The presence, extent, and severity of PTD were documented. Two observers scored the pattern and extent of lung parenchymal disease including potential fibrotic features, as well as lymph node enlargement and pleural effusions. Consensus was achieved via a third observer. Interobserver agreement was assessed using kappa statistics. Student's t-test, chi-squared, and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to compare imaging features between PTD and non-PTD sub-groups. RESULTS During the study period, 100 patients with confirmed COVID-19 underwent CTPA imaging. Ninety-three studies were analysed, excluding indeterminate CTPA examinations. Overall incidence of PTD was 41/93 (44%) with 28/93 patients showing small vessel PTD (30%). D-dimer was elevated in 90/93 (96.8%) cases. A high Wells' score did not differentiate between PTD and non-PTD groups (p=0.801). The interobserver agreement was fair (kappa=0.659) for parenchymal patterns and excellent (kappa=0.816) for severity. Thirty-four of the 93 cases (36.6%) had lymph node enlargement; 29/34 (85.3%) showed no additional source of infection. Sixteen of the 93 (17.2%) cases had potential fibrotic features. CONCLUSION There is a high incidence of PTD in COVID-19 patients undergoing CTPA and lack of a risk stratification tool. The present data indicates a higher suspicion of PTD is needed in severe COVID-19 patients. The concomitant presence of possible fibrotic features on CT indicates the need for follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fang
- Department of Radiology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, Brixton, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - G Garzillo
- Department of Radiology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, Brixton, London SE5 9RS, UK.
| | - B Batohi
- Department of Radiology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, Brixton, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - J T H Teo
- Department of Neurology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, Brixton, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - M Berovic
- Department of Radiology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, Brixton, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - P S Sidhu
- Department of Radiology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, Brixton, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - H Robbie
- Department of Radiology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, Brixton, London SE5 9RS, UK
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25
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Westafer LM, Kunz A, Bugajska P, Hughes A, Mazor KM, Schoenfeld EM, Stefan MS, Lindenauer PK. Provider Perspectives on the Use of Evidence-based Risk Stratification Tools in the Evaluation of Pulmonary Embolism: A Qualitative Study. Acad Emerg Med 2020; 27:447-456. [PMID: 32220127 PMCID: PMC7418048 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Providers often pursue imaging in patients at low risk of pulmonary embolism (PE), resulting in imaging yields <10% and false-positive imaging rates of 10% to 25%. Attempts to curb overtesting have had only modest success and no interventions have used implementation science frameworks. The objective of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators to the adoption of evidence-based diagnostic testing for PE. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with a purposeful sample of providers. An interview guide was developed using the implementation science frameworks, consolidated framework for implementation research, and theoretical domains framework. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed in an iterative process. Emergent themes were identified, discussed, and organized. RESULTS We interviewed 23 providers from four hospital systems, and participants were diverse with regard to years in practice and practice setting. Barriers were predominately at the provider level and included lack of knowledge of the tools, particularly misunderstanding of the validated scoring systems in Wells, as well as risk avoidance and need for certainty. Barriers to prior implementation strategies included the perception of a clinical decision support (CDS) tool for PE as adding steps with little value; most participants reported that they overrode CDS interventions because they had already made the decision. All providers identified institution-level strategies as facilitators to use, including endorsed guidelines, audit feedback with peer comparison about imaging yield, and peer pressure. CONCLUSIONS This exploration of the use of risk stratification tools in the evaluation of PE found that barriers to use primarily exist at the provider level, whereas facilitators to the use of these tools are largely perceived at the level of the institution. Future efforts to promote the evidence-based diagnosis of PE should be informed by these determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Westafer
- From the, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
- the, Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
| | - Ashley Kunz
- From the, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
| | | | - Amber Hughes
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
| | - Kathleen M Mazor
- Meyers Primary Care Institute, Worcester, MA
- and the, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Elizabeth M Schoenfeld
- From the, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
- the, Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
| | - Mihaela S Stefan
- the, Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
- and the, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
| | - Peter K Lindenauer
- the, Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
- and the, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
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26
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Rotzinger DC, Dunet V, Ilic V, Hugli OW, Meuli RA, Schmidt S. Pulmonary embolism during pregnancy: a 17-year single-center retrospective MDCT pulmonary angiography study. Eur Radiol 2020; 30:1780-1789. [PMID: 31728689 PMCID: PMC7033070 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06501-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) and alternative diagnoses detected by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in pregnant women; and to assess changes over time regarding radiation dose, technical quality, and examination frequency. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study included all pregnant women referred for CTPA due to clinically suspected PE over 17 years. Two blinded radiologists reviewed the CTPAs in consensus with regard to PE, alternative diagnoses, and technical quality. We retrieved patient data regarding radiation dose metrics and associated clinical and laboratory parameters. Subgroup comparisons were performed (Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests). RESULTS Of the 237 identified patients, 8 (3.3%) were excluded due to inadequate technical CTPA quality, and 229 patients were analyzed (mean age, 31.7 years; mean gestational age, 28 ± 7 weeks). The four different CT systems used over the study period had similar technical quality (p = 0.28). Of 229 patients 16 (7%) patients had PE, 144 (62.9%) had no abnormal findings, and 69 (30.1%) had an alternative diagnosis (consolidation, other pulmonary opacities, pleural effusion, and basal atelectasis). Gestational age, symptoms, and D-dimer levels were not significantly different between patients with or without PE (p > 0.05). Over time, radiation dose exposure decreased by 30% (p < 0.001), while the number of annual examinations increased by > 4-folds. CONCLUSIONS In pregnant women, CTPA rarely indicates PE and more often shows alternative diagnoses. Over 17 years, the use of CTPA in pregnancy has notably increased, while the radiation dose exposure has decreased by one third. KEY POINTS • The use of CTPA in pregnancy has steadily risen over the last 17 years • In pregnant women, CTPA rarely reveals PE and more often shows alternative diagnoses • Recent technical improvements have substantially decreased the radiation dose exposure inherent in CTPA without reducing diagnostic image quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Rotzinger
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Emergency Radiology Division, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Vincent Dunet
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Emergency Radiology Division, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vesna Ilic
- Centre d'Imagerie du Nord Vaudois (CINOV), Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland
| | - Olivier W Hugli
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Emergency Department, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Reto A Meuli
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Emergency Radiology Division, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Schmidt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Emergency Radiology Division, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Kline JA, Garrett JS, Sarmiento EJ, Strachan CC, Courtney DM. Over-Testing for Suspected Pulmonary Embolism in American Emergency Departments: The Continuing Epidemic. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2020; 13:e005753. [PMID: 31957477 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.119.005753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No recent data have investigated rates of diagnostic testing for pulmonary embolism (PE) in US emergency departments (EDs), and no data have examined computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) rates in subgroups at high risk for adverse imaging outcomes, including young women and children. We hypothesized that over-testing for PE remains a problem. METHODS AND RESULTS We used electronic health record and billing data for 16 EDs in Indiana and 11 hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area from 2016 to 2019 to locate ED patients who had any of the following: D-dimer, CTPA, scintillation ventilation perfusion lung scanning or formal pulmonary angiography. The primary outcomes were ED encounter volume-adjusted CTPA rate, PE yield rate with subgroup reporting for children (<18 years) and women under 45 years. We also examined the most frequent diagnoses. From a total visit volume of 1 828 010 patient encounters, 97 125 (5.3% of the total volume) had a diagnostic test for PE, including 25 870 patients who had CTPA order without D-dimer (59% of all tests for PE). The yield rate for PE from CTPA scans was 1.3% (1.1%-1.5%) in Indiana and 4.8% (4.2%-5.1%) in Dallas-Fort Worth (pooled rate 3.1%). Linear regression showed that increased D-dimer ordering correlated with increased PE yield rate (Pearson's R2=0.43; P<0.001). From the pooled sample, 59% of CTPAs done were in women, with 21% of all CTPAs performed on women under 45 years of age, and 1.4% (1.3%-1.5%) on children. The most frequent diagnoses were symptom-based descriptions of chest pain (34%) and shortness of breath (6.5%) and the condition-based diagnosis of pneumonia (4.1%). CONCLUSIONS Over-testing for PE in American EDs remains a major public health problem. Centers with higher D-dimer ordering had higher yield of PE on CTPA. These data suggest the potential for implementation of D-dimer based protocols to reduce low-yield CTPA ordering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Kline
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (J.A.K., E.J.S., C.C.S.)
| | - John S Garrett
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX (J.S.G.)
| | - Elisa J Sarmiento
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (J.A.K., E.J.S., C.C.S.)
| | - Christian C Strachan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (J.A.K., E.J.S., C.C.S.)
| | - D Mark Courtney
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX (D.M.C.)
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28
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Higher Imaging Yield When Clinical Decision Support Is Used. J Am Coll Radiol 2019; 17:496-503. [PMID: 31899178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2019.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Increased utilization of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for the evaluation of pulmonary embolism has been associated with decreasing diagnostic yields and rising concerns about the harms of unnecessary testing. The objective of this study was to determine whether clinical decision support (CDS) use would be associated with increased imaging yields after controlling for selection bias. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study in the emergency departments of two tertiary care hospitals of all CTPAs performed between August 2015 and September 2018. Providers ordering a CTPA are routed to an optional CDS tool, which allows them to use Wells' Criteria for pulmonary embolism. After propensity score matching, CTPA yield was calculated for the CDS-use and CDS-dismissal groups and stratified by provider type. RESULTS A total of 7,367 CTPAs were ordered during the study period. Of those, providers used the CDS tool in 2,568 (35%) cases and did not use the tool in 4,799 (65%) of cases. After propensity score matching, CTPA yield was 11.99% in the CDS-use group and 8.70% in the CDS-dismissal group (P < .001). Attending physicians, residents, and physician assistant CDS users demonstrated a 56.5% (P = .006), 38.7% (P = .01), and 16.7% (P = .03) increased yield compared with those who dismissed the tool, respectively. DISCUSSION Diagnostic yield was 38% higher for CTPAs when the provider used the CDS tool, after controlling for selection bias. Yields were higher for every provider type. Further research is needed to discover successful strategies to increase provider use of these important tools.
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29
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Ferguson C, Low G, Fung C. Retrospective Analysis of the Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiogram Utilization Patterns in the Emergency Department. Can Assoc Radiol J 2019; 70:388-393. [PMID: 31540752 DOI: 10.1016/j.carj.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Guidelines and high-quality studies recommend using clinical decision-making (CDM) tools over clinical gestalt when evaluating a patient for pulmonary embolism. The purpose of this study is to investigate our computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) utilization patterns and identify causal factors. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of CTPA studies ordered by emergency physicians in January, April, July, and October 2017 was undertaken. All necessary information to categorize patients by Wells' score, revised Geneva score, and pulmonary embolism rule-out criteria (PERC) was collected. In addition, various bloodwork, chest radiograph, and computed tomography results were collected. This data was analysed by the Pearson chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical data and independent-samples t test for continuous variables. RESULTS A total of 510 CTPA studies were performed, with a mean age was 61.6 and a 50.6% female population. 136 studies (26.7%) failed to appropriately follow any CDM tool. CDM tool failure rate was dependent on whether the study was ordered from a community (14.9%) or tertiary hospital (University of Alberta Hospital, 27.9% and Royal Alexandra Hospital, 24.6%) (P = .038). Of these 136 studies, 31 were low/moderate risk and the d-dimer was negative. The remainder were either PERC-negative or low/moderate risk without d-dimer performed. The cumulative positive pulmonary embolism rate was 12.5%. With utilization of a CDM tool, the positive pulmonary embolism rate was 15.0%, compared to 5.9% when using gestalt (P = .026). CONCLUSIONS This study confirms a high rate of CDM tool use failure, and a higher positive CTPA rate for CDM tools compared to clinical gestalt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Ferguson
- Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Gavin Low
- Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Christopher Fung
- Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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30
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Hoonakker PLT, Carayon P, Salwei ME, Hundt AS, Wiegmann D, Kleinschmidt P, Pulia MS, Wang Y, Novak C, Patterson BW. The Design of PE Dx, a CDS to Support Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis in the ED. Stud Health Technol Inform 2019; 265:134-140. [PMID: 31431589 DOI: 10.3233/shti190152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Designing and implementing clinical decision support (CDS) in health care has been challenging. Attempts have been made to design and implement CDS to support clinical procedures, but many of these CDSs have met user resistance. One possible explanation for the lack of acceptability can be the poor design of the CDS. In this study, we describe the design of PE Dx, a CDS built to support the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the emergency department (ED) using human factors methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ann S Hundt
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, 53726, USA
| | | | - Peter Kleinschmidt
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, 53726, USA.,UW Health, Madison WI, 53726, USA
| | - Michael S Pulia
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, 53726, USA.,UW Health, Madison WI, 53726, USA
| | - Yudi Wang
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, 53726, USA
| | | | - Brian W Patterson
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, 53726, USA.,UW Health, Madison WI, 53726, USA
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31
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Faggioni L, Gabelloni M, Neri E, Caramella D. Evidence-based Clinical Decision Support Systems for Suspected Pulmonary Embolism: Are We Ready to Go? Acad Radiol 2019; 26:1084-1086. [PMID: 31126810 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Goehler A, Moore C, Manne-Goehler JM, Arango J, D'Amato L, Forman HP, Weinreb J. Clinical Decision Support for Ordering CTA-PE Studies in the Emergency Department-A Pilot on Feasibility and Clinical Impact in a Tertiary Medical Center. Acad Radiol 2019; 26:1077-1083. [PMID: 30389307 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the feasibility and impact of Clinical Decision Support for imaging ordering. METHODS A survey of 231 emergency providers identified Computed tomography angiography (CTA)-Pulmonary embolism (PE) as an overutilized study. We developed an algorithm that combined established risk scores to stratify patients for PE work-up (recommendations: CTA, D-dimer or no further testing); the algorithm was integrated into the Epic Radiology Information Ordering System. RESULTS Among 872 studies requested, 479 (55%) received a recommendation to change their order: 6 (1.3%) were cancelled; 13 (2.7%) changed to a D-dimer, and 460 (96%) proceeded with CTA. Of the 853 studies conducted, 8.2% were positive for PE. The algorithm had good discriminatory power with positivity rates of 12.0% (CT), 10.0% (D-dimer), and 2.6% (no further testing). Compliance with the recommendation ranged from 12%-68% (mean 45%) with 10% correlation between compliance and positivity rates. CONCLUSION While the CDS algorithm was accurate, it had only a minimal impact on ordering practices, in part due to heterogeneity in physician adherence.
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Kocher KE, Arora R, Bassin BS, Benjamin LS, Bolton M, Dennis BJ, Ham JJ, Krupp SS, Levasseur KA, Macy ML, O'Neil BJ, Pribble JM, Sherwin RL, Sroufe NS, Uren BJ, Nypaver MM. Baseline Performance of Real-World Clinical Practice Within a Statewide Emergency Medicine Quality Network: The Michigan Emergency Department Improvement Collaborative (MEDIC). Ann Emerg Med 2019; 75:192-205. [PMID: 31256906 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Large-scale quality and performance measurement across unaffiliated hospitals is an important strategy to drive practice change. The Michigan Emergency Department Improvement Collaborative (MEDIC), established in 2015, has baseline performance data to identify practice variation across 15 diverse emergency departments (EDs) on key emergency care quality indicators. METHODS MEDIC is a unique physician-led partnership supported by a major third-party payer. Member sites contribute electronic health record data and trained abstractors add supplementary data for eligible cases. Quality measures include computed tomography (CT) appropriateness for minor head injury, using the Canadian CT Head Rule for adults and Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Network rules for children; chest radiograph use for children with asthma, bronchiolitis, and croup; and diagnostic yield of CTs for suspected pulmonary embolism. Baseline performance was established with statistical process control charts. RESULTS From June 1, 2016, to October 31, 2017, the MEDIC registry contained 1,124,227 ED visits, 23.2% for children (<18 years). Overall baseline performance included the following: 40.9% of adult patients with minor head injury (N=11,857) had appropriate CTs (site range 24.3% to 58.6%), 10.3% of pediatric minor head injury cases (N=11,183) exhibited CT overuse (range 5.8% to 16.8%), 38.1% of pediatric patients with a respiratory condition (N=18,190) received a chest radiograph (range 9.0% to 62.1%), and 8.7% of pulmonary embolism CT results (N=16,205) were positive (range 7.5% to 14.3%). CONCLUSION Performance varied greatly, with demonstrated opportunity for improvement. MEDIC provides a robust platform for emergency physician engagement across ED practice settings to improve care and is a model for other states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith E Kocher
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
| | - Rajan Arora
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI
| | - Benjamin S Bassin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Michaelina Bolton
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Hurley Medical Center, Flint, MI
| | - Blaine J Dennis
- Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, MI; Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI; Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak and Troy, MI
| | - Jason J Ham
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Seth S Krupp
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI
| | - Kelly A Levasseur
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI; Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, MI; Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak and Troy, MI; Beaumont Children's Hospital, Royal Oak, MI
| | - Michelle L Macy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Brian J O'Neil
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - James M Pribble
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Robert L Sherwin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Nicole S Sroufe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Bradley J Uren
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Michele M Nypaver
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Seidel J, Bissell MB, Vatturi S, Hartery A. Retrospective Analysis of Emergency Computed Tomography Imaging Utilization at an Academic Centre: An Analysis of Clinical Indications and Outcomes. Can Assoc Radiol J 2019; 70:13-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carj.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore resource utilization through evaluation of computed tomography (CT) imaging trends in the emergency department by examining common indications/outcomes for imaging in this setting. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical indications/outcomes for all CT imaging in 3 emergency departments over a 1-year period was conducted. Scans were divided by body part and the most common indications for each type of scan were determined. Clinical outcomes from each study were extracted from final interpretations by the reporting radiologist. Results A total of 4556 CT scans were performed in the emergency department over a 1-year period. A total of 3.6% of all-comers to our emergency departments underwent CT scan as part of their investigation. There were 2107 head CTs (46%), 1296 (28%) abdominal CTs, 468 (10%) CTs of the chest, 408 (9%) CTs of the neck/spine, and 101 (2%) extremity CTs performed. The most common clinical indication for performing a CT head was focal neurological defect comprising 1534 (73%) of all CT heads. Twenty-four percent of abdominal CTs were for investigation of right lower quadrant pain, followed by flank pain (19%). Chest pain and shortness of breath were the most common indications for CTs of the chest (315 [75%]) with 10% of these examinations for this indication positive for pulmonary embolism. Trauma was the most common indication for neck CTs (296 [73%]) and extremities (70 [69%]). Nil acute was the most common final interpretation in all categories (79% CT heads, 75% neck CTs, 38% abdominal CTs, 43% chest CTs). Conclusions Nil acute was the most common diagnosis; however, serious clinical outcomes were identified 40% of the time. Cross-sectional imaging remains an integral tool for triage and diagnosis in this environment as the cost of missing a diagnosis in this setting has a great impact on patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Seidel
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Mary Beth Bissell
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Sannihita Vatturi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Angus Hartery
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Fahimi J, Kanzaria HK, Mongan J, Kahn KL, Wang RC. Potential Effect of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act on Use of Advanced Diagnostic Imaging in the Emergency Department: An Analysis of the National Hospital Ambulatory Care Survey. Radiology 2019; 291:188-193. [PMID: 30694161 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2019181650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Clinical decision support is increasingly used to enhance clinicians' exposure to established evidence and patient information during an episode of patient care. Pending legislation specifies clinical decision support before performing advanced imaging at emergency department (ED) visits. Purpose To estimate the volume of advanced imaging tests (CT and MRI) that would require use of clinical decision support to achieve Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) compliance in the ED. Materials and Methods A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of ED visits was conducted by using data from the 2012-2015 National Hospital Ambulatory Care Survey. PAMA-related visits were identified by selecting the patient reasons for visit (RFVs) related to the eight clinical conditions. Results Among the adult ED visits, 26.7% (20 506 of 77 299, representing 113 000 000 visits across 4 years, or 28 000 000 visits annually) patients presented with a RFV consistent with a PAMA priority clinical area (PCA). Among visits in which a patient described an RFV code consistent with a PAMA PCA, up to 22.9% (4681 of 20 506; 95% confidence interval: 21.8%, 24.1%) patients underwent advanced imaging, translating to approximately 6 000 000 visits annually. Conclusion Protecting Access to Medicare Act legislation targets eight priority clinical areas, estimated to be prevalent among one in four adult emergency department visits. CT and/or MRI studies are performed during up to 23% of these visits. Depending on the particular clinical decision support systems selected within a health system, and how they are implemented, the potential volume of studies in which clinicians must interact with clinical decision support system may either exceed or fall short of these estimates. © RSNA, 2019 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Forman in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahan Fahimi
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine (J.F., H.K.K., R.C.W.), Center for Healthcare Value (J.F.), Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies (H.K.K.), and Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (J.M.), University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, L126, San Francisco, CA 94143-0209; Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (K.L.K.); and RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, Calif (K.L.K.)
| | - Hemal K Kanzaria
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine (J.F., H.K.K., R.C.W.), Center for Healthcare Value (J.F.), Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies (H.K.K.), and Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (J.M.), University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, L126, San Francisco, CA 94143-0209; Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (K.L.K.); and RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, Calif (K.L.K.)
| | - John Mongan
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine (J.F., H.K.K., R.C.W.), Center for Healthcare Value (J.F.), Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies (H.K.K.), and Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (J.M.), University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, L126, San Francisco, CA 94143-0209; Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (K.L.K.); and RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, Calif (K.L.K.)
| | - Katherine L Kahn
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine (J.F., H.K.K., R.C.W.), Center for Healthcare Value (J.F.), Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies (H.K.K.), and Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (J.M.), University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, L126, San Francisco, CA 94143-0209; Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (K.L.K.); and RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, Calif (K.L.K.)
| | - Ralph Charles Wang
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine (J.F., H.K.K., R.C.W.), Center for Healthcare Value (J.F.), Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies (H.K.K.), and Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (J.M.), University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, L126, San Francisco, CA 94143-0209; Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (K.L.K.); and RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, Calif (K.L.K.)
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Francis S, Limkakeng A, Zheng H, Hollander J, Fermann G, Parry BA, Lovecchio F, Werner N, Schellong S, Kabrhel C. Highly Elevated Quantitative D-Dimer Assay Values Increase the Likelihood of Venous Thromboembolism. TH OPEN 2019; 3:e2-e9. [PMID: 31249975 PMCID: PMC6524895 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1677029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives
In patients with suspected venous thromboembolism (VTE), the D-dimer assay is commonly utilized as part of the workup. The assay is primarily used to determine whether to proceed with radiographic imaging. We compared D-dimer levels in patients suspected of having VTE. We hypothesized that higher D-dimer values predict a higher likelihood of subsequent VTE diagnosis.
Methods
We conducted a secondary analysis of a multinational, prospective observational study of low- to intermediate-risk adult patients presenting to the emergency department with suspicion of VTE. Demographic and clinical data were collected in a structured manner. Advanced imaging including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography, and ventilation/perfusion scanning was obtained at the discretion of the treating physicians. Imaging was evaluated by board-certified radiologists in real time. D-dimer values' bins were evaluated using a logistic regression model.
Results
We evaluated 1,752 patients for suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT), with 191 (10.4%) DVT positive. We evaluated 1,834 patients for suspected pulmonary embolism (PE), with 108 (5.9%) PE positive. Higher D-dimer values in both groups were associated with higher likelihood of subsequent VTE diagnosis, with D-dimer values > 3,999 ng/mL in both groups having the highest incidence of VTE. More than 50% of those patients were VTE positive.
Conclusions
Increasing D-dimer values predict increased likelihood of being found VTE positive in this patient population. Among those in the highest D-dimer category, > 3,999 ng/mL, over half of patients were VTE positive. Further research could determine additional nuance in D-dimer as a tool to work up suspected VTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Francis
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Alexander Limkakeng
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Hui Zheng
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Judd Hollander
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gregory Fermann
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Blair Alden Parry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Center for Vascular Emergencies, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Frank Lovecchio
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maricopa Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, United States
| | - Nikos Werner
- International Center for Cardiovascular Interventions, Heart Center Bonn, Medizinischen Klinik und Poliklinik II, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Christopher Kabrhel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Center for Vascular Emergencies, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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Scope and Influence of Electronic Health Record-Integrated Clinical Decision Support in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review. Ann Emerg Med 2019; 74:285-296. [PMID: 30611639 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2018.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE As electronic health records evolve, integration of computerized clinical decision support offers the promise of sorting, collecting, and presenting this information to improve patient care. We conducted a systematic review to examine the scope and influence of electronic health record-integrated clinical decision support technologies implemented in the emergency department (ED). METHODS A literature search was conducted in 4 databases from their inception through January 18, 2018: PubMed, Scopus, the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, and Cochrane Central. Studies were included if they examined the effect of a decision support intervention that was implemented in a comprehensive electronic health record in the ED setting. Standardized data collection forms were developed and used to abstract study information and assess risk of bias. RESULTS A total of 2,558 potential studies were identified after removal of duplicates. Of these, 42 met inclusion criteria. Common targets for clinical decision support intervention included medication and radiology ordering practices, as well as more comprehensive systems supporting diagnosis and treatment for specific disease entities. The majority of studies (83%) reported positive effects on outcomes studied. Most studies (76%) used a pre-post experimental design, with only 3 (7%) randomized controlled trials. CONCLUSION Numerous studies suggest that clinical decision support interventions are effective in changing physician practice with respect to process outcomes such as guideline adherence; however, many studies are small and poorly controlled. Future studies should consider the inclusion of more specific information in regard to design choices, attempt to improve on uncontrolled before-after designs, and focus on clinically relevant outcomes wherever possible.
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Richardson S, Solomon P, O'Connell A, Khan S, Gong J, Makhnevich A, Qiu G, Zhang M, McGinn T. A Computerized Method for Measuring Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography Yield in the Emergency Department: Validation Study. JMIR Med Inform 2018; 6:e44. [PMID: 30361200 PMCID: PMC6231863 DOI: 10.2196/medinform.9957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Use of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in the assessment of pulmonary embolism (PE) has markedly increased over the past two decades. While this technology has improved the accuracy of radiological testing for PE, CTPA also carries the risk of substantial iatrogenic harm. Each CTPA carries a 14% risk of contrast-induced nephropathy and a lifetime malignancy risk that can be as high as 2.76%. The appropriate use of CTPA can be estimated by monitoring the CTPA yield, the percentage of tests positive for PE. This is the first study to propose and validate a computerized method for measuring the CTPA yield in the emergency department (ED). Objective The objective of our study was to assess the validity of a novel computerized method of calculating the CTPA yield in the ED. Methods The electronic health record databases at two tertiary care academic hospitals were queried for CTPA orders completed in the ED over 1-month periods. These visits were linked with an inpatient admission with a discharge diagnosis of PE based on the International Classification of Diseases codes. The computerized the CTPA yield was calculated as the number of CTPA orders with an associated inpatient discharge diagnosis of PE divided by the total number of orders for completed CTPA. This computerized method was then validated by 2 independent reviewers performing a manual chart review, which included reading the free-text radiology reports for each CTPA. Results A total of 349 CTPA orders were completed during the 1-month periods at the two institutions. Of them, acute PE was diagnosed on CTPA in 28 studies, with a CTPA yield of 7.7%. The computerized method correctly identified 27 of 28 scans positive for PE. The one discordant scan was tied to a patient who was discharged directly from the ED and, as a result, never received an inpatient discharge diagnosis. Conclusions This is the first successful validation study of a computerized method for calculating the CTPA yield in the ED. This method for data extraction allows for an accurate determination of the CTPA yield and is more efficient than manual chart review. With this ability, health care systems can monitor the appropriate use of CTPA and the effect of interventions to reduce overuse and decrease preventable iatrogenic harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safiya Richardson
- Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Philip Solomon
- Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Alexander O'Connell
- Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Sundas Khan
- Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan Gong
- Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Alex Makhnevich
- Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Guang Qiu
- Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Thomas McGinn
- Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States
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Koziatek CA, Simon E, Horwitz LI, Makarov DV, Smith SW, Jones S, Gyftopoulos S, Swartz JL. Automated Pulmonary Embolism Risk Classification and Guideline Adherence for Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography Ordering. Acad Emerg Med 2018; 25:1053-1061. [PMID: 29710413 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of clinical guideline adherence for the evaluation of pulmonary embolism (PE) via computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) currently requires either labor-intensive, retrospective chart review or prospective collection of PE risk scores at the time of CTPA order. The recording of clinical data in a structured manner in the electronic health record (EHR) may make it possible to automate the calculation of a patient's PE risk classification and determine whether the CTPA order was guideline concordant. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to measure the performance of automated, structured data-only versions of the Wells and revised Geneva risk scores in emergency department (ED) encounters during which a CTPA was ordered. The hypothesis was that such an automated method would classify a patient's PE risk with high accuracy compared to manual chart review. METHODS We developed automated, structured data-only versions of the Wells and revised Geneva risk scores to classify 212 ED encounters during which a CTPA was performed as "PE likely" or "PE unlikely." We then combined these classifications with D-dimer ordering data to assess each encounter as guideline concordant or discordant. The accuracy of these automated classifications and assessments of guideline concordance were determined by comparing them to classifications and concordance based on the complete Wells and revised Geneva scores derived via abstractor manual chart review. RESULTS The automatically derived Wells and revised Geneva risk classifications were 91.5 and 92% accurate compared to the manually determined classifications, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between guideline adherence calculated by the automated scores compared to manual chart review (Wells, 70.8% vs. 75%, p = 0.33; revised Geneva, 65.6% vs. 66%, p = 0.92). CONCLUSION The Wells and revised Geneva score risk classifications can be approximated with high accuracy using automated extraction of structured EHR data elements in patients who received a CTPA. Combining these automated scores with D-dimer ordering data allows for the automated assessment of clinical guideline adherence for CTPA ordering in the ED, without the burden of manual chart review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A. Koziatek
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine NYU School of Medicine New York NY
| | - Emma Simon
- Department of Population Health NYU School of Medicine New York NY
- Center for Healthcare Innovation and Delivery Science NYU School of Medicine New York NY
| | - Leora I. Horwitz
- Department of Population Health NYU School of Medicine New York NY
- Center for Healthcare Innovation and Delivery Science NYU School of Medicine New York NY
- Department of Medicine NYU School of Medicine New York NY
| | - Danil V. Makarov
- Department of Population Health NYU School of Medicine New York NY
- Department of Urology NYU School of Medicine New York NY
| | - Silas W. Smith
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine NYU School of Medicine New York NY
| | - Simon Jones
- Department of Population Health NYU School of Medicine New York NY
| | | | - Jordan L. Swartz
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine NYU School of Medicine New York NY
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Soo Hoo GW, Tsai E, Vazirani S, Li Z, Barack BM, Wu CC. Long-Term Experience With a Mandatory Clinical Decision Rule and Mandatory d-Dimer in the Evaluation of Suspected Pulmonary Embolism. J Am Coll Radiol 2018; 15:1673-1680. [PMID: 29907418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2018.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study evaluated the long-term effectiveness of mandatory assignment of both a clinical decision rule (CDR) and highly sensitive d-dimer in the evaluation of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS Institutional guidelines with a CDR and highly sensitive d-dimer were embedded in an order entry menu with mandatory assignment of key components before ordering a CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA). Data were retrospectively extracted from the electronic health record. RESULTS This was a retrospective review of 1,003 CTPA studies (905 patients, 845 male and 60 female patients, age 63.7 ± 13.5 years). CTPAs were positive for PE in 170 studies (17%), representing an average yield of 15% (year [average]; 2007 [15%], 2008 [18%], 2009 [15%], 2010 [15%], 2011 [17%], 2012 [15%], 2013 [23%]). The increased yield represented efforts of mandatory order entry assignments, educational sessions, and clinical champions. Different d-dimer thresholds with or without age adjustments in combination with the CDR identified about 10% of patients who may have been managed without CTPA. CONCLUSION Mandatory assignment of a CDR and highly sensitive d-dimer clinical decision pathway can be successfully incorporated into an order entry menu and produce a sustained increase in CTPA yield of patients with suspected PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy W Soo Hoo
- Pulmonary and Critical Care, Internal Medicine, and Radiology, West Los Angeles VA Healthcare Center, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Emily Tsai
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Sondra Vazirani
- Pulmonary and Critical Care, Internal Medicine, and Radiology, West Los Angeles VA Healthcare Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zhaoping Li
- Pulmonary and Critical Care, Internal Medicine, and Radiology, West Los Angeles VA Healthcare Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bruce M Barack
- Pulmonary and Critical Care, Internal Medicine, and Radiology, West Los Angeles VA Healthcare Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Carol C Wu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Abstract
The purpose was to determine whether young women in the emergency department who received computed tomographic (CT) pulmonary angiograms were evaluated to receive lower dose imaging or no imaging, recognizing that the risks of radiation are particularly high in young women. This was a retrospective cohort investigation of women aged 18 to 29 years seen for suspected acute pulmonary embolism in emergency departments of 5 regional hospitals from May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016. Computed tomographic (CT) pulmonary angiograms were obtained in 379 young women. Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed by CT angiography in 2.1%. A Wells probability score could be calculated in 11.9%. D-dimer was obtained in 46.2% and a chest radiograph was obtained in 41.7%. Among patients with a normal chest radiograph, 3.9% had a lung scan. Venous ultrasound of the lower extremities was obtained in 1.8%. Each had an elevated D-dimer. Among the young women who received CT angiograms, 53 were pregnant. In 17.0% of pregnant women, a Wells clinical probability score could be calculated from the medical record. D-dimer in pregnant women was obtained in 30.2%, chest radiograph in 22.6%, lung scan in 11.3%, and venous ultrasound of the lower extremities in none. In conclusion, young women and pregnant women often received CT pulmonary angiograms for suspected acute pulmonary embolism without an objective clinical assessment, measurement of D-dimer, lung scintiscan, or venous ultrasound, which may have eliminated the need for CT pulmonary angiography in many instances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D. Stein
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Fadi Matta
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Kate E. Hughes
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Mary J. Hughes
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interpretive errors in diagnostic imaging result in significant patient morbidity and mortality, but the importance of errors and process failures in the imaging cycle other than during image interpretation is underappreciated. In this article, we describe these errors and potential solutions, providing a framework to improve patient safety and understand the changing roles of radiologists beyond image interpretation. CONCLUSION For comprehensive improvements to health care delivery, other failures in the cycle besides diagnostic interpretive error-such as ordering inappropriate studies, PACS failures, and a lack of accurate clinician contact information (with resultant communication failure)-should be recognized as contributors to patient harm because they lead to wasted resources and delayed care. By taking ownership of the entire imaging cycle, radiologists can increase their net worth to patient care and cement their roles as experts in the effective, evidence-based use of imaging technologies.
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