P58 Head Injury CT scan: measuring up to NICE guidelines

Abstract

Introduction Head injury is the most common cause of death and disability in individuals between 1-40 years in the UK, with roughly 200,000 annual admissions. The aim is to evaluate how effectively CT scans following a head injury are being performed with reference to NICE guidelines 1-hour criteria1 as patient’s prognosis could potentially be improved with early detection. Standards Methods Results First cycle Second cycle Conclusion About only half of the patients presenting with the risk factors got their scan done in line with NICE guidelines. Following change of ICE to include criteria patients were better categorized, eliminating any unnecessary scans, reducing waiting times and cost, improving patient flow in ED and all scans are now justifiable according to criteria. References 1-National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. CG176. Head Injury: assessment and early management. London. January 2014. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg176:2-irefer. The Royal College of Radiologists. Making the best use of clinical radiology services 8th edition. 2017 https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sso/irefer/v8:3-https://www.rcr.ac.uk/audit/compliance-nice-guidelines-2014-traumatic-head-injury-regard-ct