Implementation of a CT Scan Practice Guideline for Pediatric Trauma Patients Reduces Unnecessary Scans without Impacting Outcomes

Authors

Patrick R. McGrew MD, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Paul J. Chestovich MD, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Jay D. Fisher MD, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Deborah A. Kuhls MD, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Douglas R. Fraser MD, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Purvi P. Patel MD, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Chad W. Katona MD, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Syed Saquib MD, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
John J. Fildes MD, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

9-1-2018

Publication Title

Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

Volume

85

Issue

3

First page number:

451

Last page number:

458

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Computed tomography (CT) scans are useful in the evaluation of trauma patients, but are costly and pose risks from ionizing radiation in children. Recent literature has demonstrated the use of CT scan guidelines in the management of pediatric trauma. The study objective is to review our treatment of pediatric blunt trauma patients and evaluate CT use before and after CT-guideline implementation. METHODS Our Pediatric Level 2 Trauma Center (TC) implemented a CT scan practice guideline for pediatric trauma patients in March 2014. The guideline recommended for or against CT of the head and abdomen/pelvis using published criteria from the Pediatric Emergency Care and Research Network. (see full text for full abstract)

Keywords

Blunt trauma; Computed tomography; Pediatric practice guidelines; Pediatric trauma; Radiation exposure in children

Disciplines

Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Trauma

Language

English

Repository Citation

McGrew, P. R., Chestovich, P. J., Fisher, J. D., Kuhls, D. A., Fraser, D. R., Patel, P. P., Katona, C. W., Saquib, S., Fildes, J. J. (2018). Implementation of a CT Scan Practice Guideline for Pediatric Trauma Patients Reduces Unnecessary Scans without Impacting Outcomes. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 85(3), 451-458.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/TA.0000000000001974