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Wickbom F, Berghog W, Bernhardsson S, Persson L, Kunkel S, Undén J. Pediatric head injury guideline use in Sweden: a cross-sectional survey on determinants for successful implementation of a clinical practice guideline. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:965. [PMID: 39169324 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11423-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee guideline (SNC-16) was developed and published in 2016, to aid clinicians in management of pediatric head injuries in Scandinavian emergency departments (ED). The objective of this study was to explore determinants for use of the SNC-16 guideline by Swedish ED physicians. METHODS This is a nationwide, cross-sectional, web-based survey in Sweden. Using modified snowball sampling, physicians managing children in the ED were invited via e-mail to complete the validated Clinician Guideline Determinants Questionnaire between February and May, 2023. Baseline data, data on enablers and barriers for use of the SNC-16 guideline, and preferred routes for implementation and access of guidelines in general were collected and analyzed descriptively and exploratory with Chi-square and Fisher's tests. RESULTS Of 595 invitations, 198 emergency physicians completed the survey (effective response rate 33.3%). There was a high reported use of the SNC-16 guideline (149/195; 76.4%) and a strong belief in its benefits for the patients (188/197; 95.4% agreement). Respondents generally agreed with the guideline's content (187/197; 94.9%) and found it easy to use and navigate (188/197; 95.4%). Some respondents (53/197; 26.9%) perceived a lack of organizational support needed to use the guideline. Implementation tools may be improved as only 58.9% (116/197) agreed that the guideline includes such. Only 37.6% (74/197) of the respondents agreed that the guideline clearly describes the underlying evidence supporting the recommendation. Most respondents prefer to consult colleagues (178/198; 89.9%) and guidelines (149/198; 75.3%) to gain knowledge to guide clinical decision making. Four types of enablers for guideline use emerged from free-text answers: ease of use and implementation, alignment with local guidelines and practice, advantages for stakeholders, and practicality and accessibility. Barriers for guideline use were manifested as: organizational challenges, medical concerns, and practical concerns. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest high self-reported use of the SNC-16 guideline among Swedish ED physicians. In updated versions of the guideline, focus on improving implementation tools and descriptions of the underlying evidence may further facilitate adoption and adherence. Measures to improve organizational support for guideline use and involvement of patient representatives should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Wickbom
- Department of Operation and Intensive Care, Halland Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden.
- Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - William Berghog
- Department of Operation and Intensive Care, Halland Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Susanne Bernhardsson
- Region Västra Götaland, Research, Education, Development, and Innovation Primary Health Care, Gothenburg, Sweden
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Persson
- Department of Orthopedics, Halland Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Stefan Kunkel
- Department of Medicine, Växjö Hospital, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Johan Undén
- Department of Operation and Intensive Care, Halland Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden
- Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Popescu CM, Marina V, Munteanu A, Popescu F. Acute Computer Tomography Findings in Pediatric Accidental Head Trauma-Review. Pediatric Health Med Ther 2024; 15:231-241. [PMID: 38882239 PMCID: PMC11179670 DOI: 10.2147/phmt.s461121] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Head trauma in paediatric patients is a worldwide and constant issue. It is the number one cause for childhood mortality and morbidity. Children of all ages are susceptible to sustaining head trauma and the anatomical characteristics of the region put them in a high-risk category for developing severe traumatic brain injuries. Boys are more frequently victims of accidental head traumas, and their injuries are more severe than those encountered in girls. The mechanisms of the trauma are a determining factor for the types of lesions we find. The traumatic injuries fall into two categories, primary and secondary. Primary traumatic injuries can be severe and life threatening, and their presence needs to be documented in order to set the correct therapeutic conduct. Due to their importance, this pictorial review focuses on them and the images used herein are selected from the database of our hospital. It is important to distinguish each of the different injuries that can be encountered. At the same time, radiologists are advised to remember that for children up to five years of age, some non-accidental imaging findings may appear to coincide with those found in accidental head trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina-Mihaela Popescu
- Dental-Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Dunărea de Jos" University, Galati, 800201, Romania
| | - Virginia Marina
- Medical Department of Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Dunărea de Jos" University, Galati, 800201, Romania
| | | | - Floriana Popescu
- Department of English, Faculty of Letters, "Dunărea de Jos" University, Galati, 800201, Romania
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Sirén A, Nyman M, Syvänen J, Mattila K, Hirvonen J. Utility of brain imaging in pediatric patients with a suspected accidental spinal injury but no brain injury-related symptoms. Childs Nerv Syst 2024; 40:1435-1441. [PMID: 38279986 PMCID: PMC11026267 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06298-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Imaging is the gold standard in diagnosing traumatic brain injury, but unnecessary scans should be avoided, especially in children and adolescents. Clinical decision-making rules often help to distinguish the patients who need imaging, but if spinal trauma is suspected, concomitant brain imaging is often conducted. Whether the co-occurrence of brain and spine injuries is high enough to justify head imaging in patients without symptoms suggesting brain injury is unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the diagnostic yield of brain MRI in pediatric patients with suspected or confirmed accidental spinal trauma but no potential brain injury symptoms. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical and imaging data of pediatric patients (under 18 years old) who have undergone concomitant MRI of the brain and spine because of acute spinal trauma in our emergency radiology department over a period of 8 years. We compared the brain MRI findings in patients with and without symptoms suggesting brain injury and contrasted spine and brain MRI findings. RESULTS Of 179 patients (mean age 11.7 years, range 0-17), 137 had symptoms or clinical findings suggesting brain injury, and 42 did not. None of the patients without potential brain injury symptoms had traumatic findings in brain MRI. This finding also applied to patients with high-energy trauma (n = 47) and was unrelated to spinal MRI findings. CONCLUSION Pediatric accidental trauma patients with suspected or confirmed spine trauma but no symptoms or clinical findings suggesting brain injury seem not to benefit from brain imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aapo Sirén
- Department of Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520, Turku, Finland.
| | - Mikko Nyman
- Department of Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Syvänen
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Kimmo Mattila
- Department of Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Jussi Hirvonen
- Department of Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520, Turku, Finland
- Medical Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Wickbom F, Calcagnile O, Marklund N, Undén J. Validation of the Scandinavian guidelines for minor and moderate head trauma in children: protocol for a pragmatic, prospective, observational, multicentre cohort study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078622. [PMID: 38569695 PMCID: PMC11146355 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mild traumatic brain injury is common in children and it can be challenging to accurately identify those in need of urgent medical intervention. The Scandinavian guidelines for management of minor and moderate head trauma in children, the Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee guideline 2016 (SNC16), were developed to aid in risk stratification and decision-making in Scandinavian emergency departments (EDs). This guideline has been validated externally with encouraging results, but internal validation in the intended healthcare system is warranted prior to broad clinical implementation. OBJECTIVE We aim to validate the diagnostic accuracy of the SNC16 to predict clinically important intracranial injuries (CIII) in paediatric patients suffering from blunt head trauma, assessed in EDs in Sweden and Norway. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a prospective, pragmatic, observational cohort study. Children (aged 0-17 years) with blunt head trauma, presenting with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 9-15 within 24 hours postinjury at an ED in 1 of the 16 participating hospitals, are eligible for inclusion. Included patients are assessed and managed according to the clinical management routines of each hospital. Data elements for risk stratification are collected in an electronic case report form by the examining doctor. The primary outcome is defined as CIII within 1 week of injury. Secondary outcomes of importance include traumatic CT findings, neurosurgery and 3-month outcome. Diagnostic accuracy of the SNC16 to predict endpoints will be assessed by point estimate and 95% CIs for sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, negative predictive value and positive predictive value. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study is approved by the ethical board in both Sweden and Norway. Results from this validation will be published in scientific journals, and a tailored development and implementation process will follow if the SNC16 is found safe and effective. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05964764.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Wickbom
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University Faculty of Medicine, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Operation and Intensive Care, Halland Hospital Halmstad, Region Halland, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Olga Calcagnile
- Department of Paediatric Medicine, Halland Hospital Halmstad, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Niklas Marklund
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Neurosurgery, Skåne University Hospital Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Undén
- Department of Operation and Intensive Care, Halland Hospital Halmstad, Region Halland, Halmstad, Sweden
- Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Fang J, Tan TX, Ferron E, Ge LJ. Age predicts likelihood for surgery for pediatric tbi: an analysis of 1745 hospitlizations from a Chinese Children's Hospital. Childs Nerv Syst 2023; 39:2487-2492. [PMID: 37145308 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-05975-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We tested the role of age and sex in surgery following pediatric TBI hospitalization. METHODS Records of 1745 children hospitalized at a pediatric neurotrauma center in China included age, sex, cause of injury, diagnosis of injury, days of hospitalization, in-house rehabilitation, Glasgow Coma Scale score, mortality, 6-month post-discharge Glasgow Outcome Scale score, and surgery intervention. The children were 0-13 years (M= 3.56 years; SD = 3.06), with 47.4% 0-2 years of age. RESULTS The mortality rate was 1.49%. Logistic regression on 1027 children with epidural hematoma, subdural hematoma, intracerebral hemorrhage, and intraventricular hemorrhage showed that controlling for other variables, the odds for younger children to receive surgery was statistically lower for epidural hematomas (OR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.68-0.82), subdural hematomas (OR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.47-0.74), and intraventricular hemorrhage (OR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.28-0.98). CONCLUSIONS While severity of TBI and type of TBI were expected predictors for surgery, a younger age also predicted a significantly lower likelihood of surgery in our sample. Sex of the child was unrelated to surgical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangshun Fang
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Tony Xing Tan
- Department of Educational and Psychological Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, US.
| | - Emily Ferron
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, NYC, NY, US
| | - Le Jun Ge
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
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