Point-of-Care Estimated Radiation Exposure and Imaging Guidelines Can Reduce Pediatric Radiation Burden.
Bunt CW, Burke HB, Towbin AJ, Hoang A, Stephens MB, Fontelo P, Liu F, Gimbel RW
J Am Board Fam Med. 2015 May-Jun;28(3):343-50. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2015.03.140251.
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION The steady increase in the use of computed tomography (CT) has particular concerns for children. Family physicians must often select pediatric imaging without any decision support. We hypothesized that point-of-care decision support would lead to the selection of imaging that lowered radiation exposure and improved guideline congruence. METHODS Our double-blind, randomized simulation included family physicians in the Military Health System. Participants initially reviewed a pediatric hematuria scenario and selected imaging without decision support. Participants were subsequently randomized to either receive imaging-appropriateness guidelines and then estimated radiation exposure information or receive estimated radiation information then guidelines; imaging selections were required after each step. The primary outcome was the selected imaging modality with point-of-care decision support. RESULTS The first arm increased CT ordering after viewing the guidelines (P = .008) but then decreased it after reviewing radiation exposure information (P = .007). In the second arm radiation information decreased CT and plain film use (P = not significant), with a subsequent increase in ultrasound and CT after the guideline presentation (P = .05). CONCLUSIONS Decision support during a simulated pediatric scenario helped family physicians select imaging that lowered radiation exposure and was aligned with current guidelines, especially when presented with radiation information after guideline review. This information could help inform electronic medical record design. © Copyright 2015 by the American Board of Family Medicine.
Bunt CW, Burke HB, Towbin AJ, Hoang A, Stephens MB, Fontelo P, Liu F, Gimbel RW. Point-of-Care Estimated Radiation Exposure and Imaging Guidelines Can Reduce Pediatric Radiation Burden.
J Am Board Fam Med. 2015 May-Jun;28(3):343-50. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2015.03.140251.
PMID