The study analyzed 8 million adult patient visits between 2005 and 2013 at 348 hospitals with data from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. The patients visited the emergency room for minor falls or low-impact vehicle accidents. Journal of Surgical Research published the study on Jan. 19.
Here are five findings:
1. Of these patients, 3.51 percent received at least one CT scan in 2005, versus 7.17 percent in 2013.
2. The study authors found a surge in patients undergoing CT scans for minor injuries.
3. High-level trauma hospitals were more likely to order CT scans, with 39 percent of the CTs performed in level I and level II trauma centers.
4. CT scan imaging increased between 2005 and 2009, declined in 2011 and increased again from 2011 to 2013.
5. The authors conclude they can’t pinpoint which injuries should require CT scans, but urge caution in ordering CT scans for any injury. In 2009, the FDA reported a CT scan could cause a fatal cancer in one of 2,000 patients because of radiation.
More articles on quality & infection control:
The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety names Dr. Mark Williams to the advisory board — 6 things to know
American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program recognizes Mission Hospital for surgical patient care — 5 takeaways
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