Repeated computed tomographic scans in transferred trauma patients

Abstract

Diagnostic study, level IV.

Early repeat computed tomographic imaging in transferred trauma and neurosurgical patients: Incidence, indications and impact

“…[7][8][9]14,17 Of those studies which assessed indications for repeat imaging, Gupta et al 18 and Sung et al 19 reported similar findings to this study, namely that clinical need was the most commonly cited reason for a repeat CT scan. [7][8][9]14,17 Of those studies which assessed indications for repeat imaging, Gupta et al 18 and Sung et al 19 reported similar findings to this study, namely that clinical need was the most commonly cited reason for a repeat CT scan.…”

“…In approximately one in five cases of repeat CT scanning, the clinical justification was not apparent from retrospective assessment of the available medical records. 4,7,13,[15][16][17][18] This study noted that CT scans were repeated for predominantly clinical reasons. Hill et al 6 found that 48% of patients transferred to their facility underwent repeat imaging, although it is unclear what proportion of this was accounted for by CT as they also included plain radiographic studies.…”

“…[4][5][6][7][8][9][10] This problem is incompletely characterised in the Australian setting, where long distances can delay transport to definitive care by up to 24 hours. Access to this imaging modality has increased in rural and remote areas of Australia.…”

Image Sharing Technologies and Reduction of Imaging Utilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…Clinicians want access to these studies and results, for accurate interpretation and diagnoses [1–3], but often, they are difficult to obtain in a timely manner [4]. This lack of access may result in additional imaging [5], thereby increasing radiation exposure of the patient [6] and creating avoidable costs [7,8]. In addition, searching for studies from other sources wastes provider time [9–12] and delays treatment [13].…”

Hospital Support

“…[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] This includes 24/7 radiology technologists and radiologists in the emergency room, operating rooms, and hospital wards. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] This includes 24/7 radiology technologists and radiologists in the emergency room, operating rooms, and hospital wards.…”