In:
Pediatric Emergency Care, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), Vol. 37, No. 12 ( 2021-12), p. e1670-e1674
Abstract:
The American College of Emergency Physicians embarked on the “Choosing Wisely” campaign to avoid computed tomographic (CT) scans in patients with minor head injury who are at low risk based on validated decision rules. We hypothesized that a Pediatric Mild Head Injury Care Path could be developed and implemented to reduce inappropriate CT utilization with support of a clinical decision support tool (CDST) and a structured parent discussion tool. Methods A quality improvement project was initiated for 9 weeks to reduce inappropriate CT utilization through 5 interventions: (1) engagement of leadership, (2) provider education, (3) incorporation of a parent discussion tool to guide discussion during the emergency department (ED) visit between the parent and the provider, (4) CDST embedded in the electronic medical record, and (5) importation of data into the note to drive compliance. Patients prospectively were enrolled when providers at a pediatric and a freestanding ED entered data into the CDST for decision making. Rate of care path utilization and head CT reduction was determined for all patients with minor head injury based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Targets for care path utilization and head CT reduction were established a priori. Results were compared with baseline data collected from 2013. Results The CDST was used in 176 (77.5%) of 227 eligible patients. Twelve patients were excluded based on a priori criteria. Adherence to recommendations occurred in 162 (99%) of 164 patients. Head CT utilization was reduced from 62.7% to 22% (odds ratio, 0.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.12–0.24) where CDST was used by the provider. There were no missed traumatic brain injuries in our study group. Conclusion A Pediatric Mild Head Injury Care Path can be implemented in a pediatric and freestanding ED, resulting in reduced head CT utilization and high levels of adherence to CDST recommendations.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1535-1815
,
0749-5161
DOI:
10.1097/PEC.0000000000001501
Language:
English
Publisher:
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2053985-X
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