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Ratner M, Hartwell CA, Zhang J, Johnson W, Nwachukwu C, Garg K, Kim D, Rockman C. The natural history of celiac artery aneurysms. Vascular 2024:17085381241245142. [PMID: 38623819 DOI: 10.1177/17085381241245142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to document the natural history of celiac artery aneurysms (CAAs). BACKGROUND Celiac artery aneurysms are rare. Existing literature is skewed towards outcomes after intervention of large, symptomatic aneurysms but the behavior of untreated CAAs is poorly understood. METHODS This is a single institution, retrospective analysis of patients with CAA diagnosed by CT imaging (2015-2019) identified through an institutional radiology database. Radiologic, demographic, and follow-up data were analyzed. The primary endpoint was the mean growth rate of CAAs. RESULTS Of the 76 patients included, 86.8% were men with a mean age at presentation of 69.8 years. The mean CAA diameter on index imaging was 15.4 +/- 3.8 mm (range, 7-30 mm). All were classified as true aneurysms and 76.3% were saccular. All patients had clinical follow-up with mean follow-up 31.2 months +/- 21.6 months. No patient developed symptoms or rupture. The mean radiological follow-up among 45 patients was 25.2 +/- 16.8 months. Over this period, 16 CAAs (35.6%) enlarged, while 29 (64.4%) remained stable. One patient (1.3%) underwent intervention for increasing size in the setting of a chronic dissection. On multivariate analysis, age <70 was significantly associated with increased risk of aneurysm growth. CONCLUSIONS In this institutional review of patients with CAAs, the majority of aneurysms remained stable in size, with no patients developing symptoms or rupture over clinical follow-up. Given the observed benign behavior of these aneurysms, guidelines that suggest conservative management of CAAs less than 2 cm seems appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Ratner
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - C Austen Hartwell
- Department of Radiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason Zhang
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - William Johnson
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chukwuma Nwachukwu
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karan Garg
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danny Kim
- Department of Radiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caron Rockman
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Plasencia-Martínez JM, Sánchez-Canales M, Otón-González E, Casado-Alarcón NI, Molina-Lozano B, Cotillo-Ramos E, Ortiz-Mayoral H, García-Santos JM. Inappropriate requests for cranial CT scans in emergency departments increase overuse and reduce test performance. Emerg Radiol 2023; 30:733-741. [PMID: 37973624 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-023-02185-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The number of non-traumatic urgent cranial computed tomography (NT-UCCT) is exponentially increasing but limited research has been conducted on the quality of clinical justification. Accordingly, we aimed (1) to assess how clinical information in the electronic NT-UCCT request agreed with that provided in the patient's emergency department discharge summary and (2) to analyze the potential effect of those discrepancies on the NT-UCCT overload. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients undergoing NT-UCCT in 2017-2021 were randomly selected for this retrospective research-board-approved study. Signs and symptoms (S/S) in electronic request and emergency department discharge summary, acute and relevant computed tomography (CT) findings (acute ischemia or hemorrhage, masses, brain edema, or previously undetected hydrocephalus), and final diagnosis at emergency department discharge summary were collected. Concordance between digital request and emergency department discharge summary and their association with both acute and relevant CT findings and final diagnosis were analyzed. RESULTS We recruited 156 patients: 80 men; mean age, 55. Acute, relevant CT findings were detected in 28 cases (17.9%). The final diagnosis was neurological disease, non-neurological disease, and no definitive diagnosis in 46 (29.5%), 58 (37.2%), and 51 (32.7%) cases, respectively. Full agreement between the electronic request and emergency department discharge summary occurred in only 36 patients (23.1%). Motor deficit was the most frequent false positive electronic request S/S (18; 11.54%), having low positive predictive value (30.30%; 95%CI 15.59-48.71%) and worst association with acute relevant CT findings than when true positive (OR 2.54; 95%CI 0.04-6.21 vs. OR 6.26, 95%CI 2.21-17.78). Nausea/vomiting was the third most common false negative electronic request S/S (13; 10.26%) and reduced the likelihood of acute and relevant CT findings (OR 0.126; 95%CI 0.016-0.971; p = 0.020). False S/S in electronic request predominated in non-neurological diseases (50-60.2% vs. 33-39.8%; p = 0.068). CONCLUSION Discrepancies between electronic request and emergency department discharge summary were observed in >75% of patients, leading to unnecessary NT-UCCT tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juana María Plasencia-Martínez
- Department of Radiology, Hospital General Universitario Morales Meseguer, Avenida Marqués de los Vélez, s/n, 30008, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Marta Sánchez-Canales
- Department of Radiology, Hospital General Universitario Morales Meseguer, Avenida Marqués de los Vélez, s/n, 30008, Murcia, Spain
| | - Elena Otón-González
- Department of Radiology, Hospital General Universitario Morales Meseguer, Avenida Marqués de los Vélez, s/n, 30008, Murcia, Spain
| | - Nuria Isabel Casado-Alarcón
- Department of Radiology, Hospital General Universitario Morales Meseguer, Avenida Marqués de los Vélez, s/n, 30008, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Estefanía Cotillo-Ramos
- Department of Radiology, Hospital General Universitario Morales Meseguer, Avenida Marqués de los Vélez, s/n, 30008, Murcia, Spain
| | - Herminia Ortiz-Mayoral
- Department of Radiology, Hospital General Universitario Morales Meseguer, Avenida Marqués de los Vélez, s/n, 30008, Murcia, Spain
| | - José María García-Santos
- Department of Radiology, Hospital General Universitario Morales Meseguer, Avenida Marqués de los Vélez, s/n, 30008, Murcia, Spain
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Chhabra S, Cameron A, Thavorn K, Sikora L, Yadav K. Quality of health economic evaluations in emergency medicine journals: a systematic review. CAN J EMERG MED 2023; 25:676-688. [PMID: 37389770 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-023-00535-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health economic evaluations are used in decision-making regarding resource allocation and it is imperative that they are completed with rigor. The primary objectives were to describe the characteristics and assess the quality of economic evaluations published in emergency medicine journals. METHODS Two reviewers independently searched 19 emergency medicine-specific journals via Medline and Embase from inception until March 3, 2022. Quality assessment was completed using the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) tool, and the primary outcome was the QHES score out of 100. Additionally, we identified factors that may contribute to higher-quality publications. RESULTS 7260 unique articles yielded 48 economic evaluations that met inclusion criteria. Most studies were cost-utility analyses and of high quality, with a median QHES score of 84 (interquartile range, IQR: 72, 90). Studies based on mathematical models and those primarily designed as an economic evaluation were associated with higher quality scores. The most commonly missed QHES items were: (i) providing and justifying the perspective of the analysis, (ii) providing justification for the primary outcome, and (iii) selecting an outcome that was long enough to allow for relevant events to occur. CONCLUSIONS The majority of health economic evaluations in the emergency medicine literature are cost-utility analyses and are of high quality. Decision analytic models and studies primarily designed as economic analyses were positively correlated with higher quality. To improve study quality, future EM economic evaluations should justify the choice of the perspective of the analysis and the selection of the primary outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Chhabra
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Austin Cameron
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kednapa Thavorn
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lindsey Sikora
- Health Sciences Library, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Krishan Yadav
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Zhang J, Harish K, Speranza G, Hartwell CA, Garg K, Jacobowitz GR, Sadek M, Maldonado T, Kim D, Rockman CB. Natural history of renal artery aneurysms. J Vasc Surg 2023; 77:1199-1205.e1. [PMID: 36375725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The existing renal artery aneurysm (RAA) literature is largely composed of reports of patients who underwent intervention. The objective of this study was to review the natural history of RAA. METHODS This single-institution retrospective analysis studied all patients with RAA diagnosed by computed tomography imaging between 2015 and 2019, identified by our institutional radiology database. Imaging, demographic, and clinical data were obtained via the electronic medical record. He growth rate was calculated for all patients with radiological follow-up. RESULTS The cohort consists of 331 patients with 338 RAAs. Most patients were female (61.3%), with 11 (3.3%) of childbearing age. The mean age at diagnosis was 71.5 years (range, 24-99 years). Medical comorbidities included hypertension (73.7%), prior smoking (34.4%), and connective tissue disease (3.9%). Imaging indications included abdominal pain (33.5%), unrelated follow-up (29.6%), and follow-up of an RAA initially diagnosed before the study period (10.7%). Right RAA (61.9%) was more common than left (35.1%); 3% of patients had bilateral RAA. The mean diameter at diagnosis was 12.9 ± 5.9 mm. Size distribution included lesions measuring less than <15 mm (69.9%), 15 to 25 mm (27.1%), and more than 25 mm (3.0%). Anatomic locations included the distal RA (26.7%), renal hilum (42.4%), and mid-RA (13.1%). The majority were true aneurysms (98%); of these, 72.3% were fusiform and 27.7% were saccular. Additional characteristics included calcification (82.2%), thrombus (15.9%), and dissection (0.9%). Associated findings included aortic atherosclerosis (65.6%), additional visceral aneurysms (7.3%), and abdominal aortic aneurysm (5.7%). The mean clinical follow-up among 281 patients was 41.0 ± 24.0 months. The mean radiological follow-up among 137 patients was 26.0 ± 21.4 months. Of these, 43 patients (31.4%) experienced growth, with mean growth rate of 0.23 ± 4.7 mm/year; the remainder remained stable in size. Eight patients eventually underwent intervention (5 endovascular), with the most common indications including size criteria (4/8) and symptom development (3/8). No patient developed rupture. On multivariate analysis, obesity (P = .04) was significantly associated with growth. An initial diameter of more than 25 mm was significantly associated with subsequent intervention (P = .006), but was not significantly associated with growth. Four of five RAAs with an initial diameter 30 mm or greater did not undergo intervention. The mean clinical follow-up for these patients was 24 months; none developed rupture and two remained stable in size. CONCLUSIONS This large institutional cohort found that the majority of RAAs remained stable in size, with few patients meeting indications for repair based on societal guidelines. Current guidelines recommending intervention for asymptomatic aneurysms more than 30 mm seem to be appropriate given their slow progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Zhang
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Keerthi Harish
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Giancarlo Speranza
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Charlotte A Hartwell
- Department of Radiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Karan Garg
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Glenn R Jacobowitz
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Mikel Sadek
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Thomas Maldonado
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Danny Kim
- Department of Radiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Caron B Rockman
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY.
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Kaplan HM, Birnbaum JF, Kulkarni PA. Pursuit of "endpoint diagnoses" as a cognitive forcing strategy to avoid premature diagnostic closure. Diagnosis (Berl) 2022; 9:421-429. [PMID: 35942949 DOI: 10.1515/dx-2022-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Premature closure is often described as a significant contributor to diagnostic error. Therefore, developing strategies to mitigate premature closure could reduce diagnostic errors and improve patient care. Here we propose the novel concept of pursuit of an "endpoint diagnosis" as a cognitive forcing strategy (CFS) for avoiding premature diagnostic closure. We define an "endpoint diagnosis" as an underlying causative explanation for a patient's signs, symptoms, and laboratory and radiographic data that exhausts additional relevant diagnostic evaluation. We have observed four contexts in which the error of not pursuing an endpoint diagnosis most often occurs: (1) diagnoses that appear to result in the same treatment regardless of etiology, (2) cases that are particularly complex, (3) clinical scenarios that are vulnerable to systems errors, and (4) situations in which patients' problems are attributed to uncontrolled underlying risk factors or an exacerbation of a known condition. Additionally, we address why we believe endpoint diagnoses are not universally pursued, delineate when this approach might be particularly useful, attempt to reconcile the potential conflict between accepting diagnostic ambiguity in certain instances and pursuing endpoint diagnoses, and outline possible concerns that might arise with using this CFS, including the possibility of lengthy evaluations resulting in overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Our overarching goal is for this CFS to help clinicians in their daily clinical practice as they seek to optimize their diagnostic skill and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holland M Kaplan
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacqueline F Birnbaum
- Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Prathit A Kulkarni
- Medical Care Line, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Disease, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Zygmont ME, Neill R, Dharmadhikari S, Duong PAT. Achieving CT Regulatory Compliance: A Comprehensive and Continuous Quality Improvement Approach. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2020; 49:306-311. [PMID: 32178932 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) represents one of the largest sources of radiation exposure to the public in the United States. Regulatory requirements now mandate dose tracking for all exams and investigation of dose events that exceed set dose thresholds. Radiology practices are tasked with ensuring quality control and optimizing patient CT exam doses while maintaining diagnostic efficacy. Meeting regulatory requirements necessitates the development of an effective quality program in CT. This review provides a template for accreditation compliant quality control and CT dose optimization. The following paper summarizes a large health system approach for establishing a quality program in CT and discusses successes, challenges, and future needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Zygmont
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Rebecca Neill
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Environmental Health and Safety Office, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Shalmali Dharmadhikari
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Environmental Health and Safety Office, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Phuong-Anh T Duong
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
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Salerno S, Laghi A, Cantone MC, Sartori P, Pinto A, Frija G. Overdiagnosis and overimaging: an ethical issue for radiological protection. Radiol Med 2019; 124:714-720. [PMID: 30900132 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-019-01029-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study aimed to analyse the key factors that influence the overimaging using X-ray such as self-referral, defensive medicine and duplicate imaging studies and to emphasize the ethical problem that derives from it. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we focused on the more frequent sources of overdiagnosis such as the total-body CT, proposed in the form of screening in both public and private sector, the choice of the most sensitive test for each pathology such as pulmonary embolism, ultrasound investigations mostly of the thyroid and of the prostate and MR examinations, especially of the musculoskeletal system. RESULTS The direct follow of overdiagnosis and overimaging is the increase in the risk of contrast media infusion, radiant damage, and costs in the worldwide healthcare system. The theme of the costs of overdiagnosis is strongly related to inappropriate or poorly appropriate imaging examination. CONCLUSIONS We underline the ethical imperatives of trust and right conduct, because the major ethical problems in radiology emerge in the justification of medical exposures of patients in the practice. A close cooperation and collaboration across all the physicians responsible for patient care in requiring imaging examination is also important, balancing possible ionizing radiation disadvantages and patient benefits in terms of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Salerno
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Palermo, Policlinico Via del Vespro 127, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Andrea Laghi
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza-University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Marie-Claire Cantone
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Sartori
- Department of Radiology, SS Giovanni e Paolo Hospital, Castello 6777, 30122, Venice, Italy
| | - Antonio Pinto
- Department of Radiology, CTO Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli, Naples, Italy
| | - Guy Frija
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Hopital Européen Georges Pompidou Paris APHP, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France
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Desai V, Cox M, Deshmukh S, Roth CG. Contrast-enhanced or noncontrast CT for renal colic: utilizing urinalysis and patient history of urolithiasis to decide. Emerg Radiol 2018; 25:455-460. [DOI: 10.1007/s10140-018-1604-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Thurley P, Crookdake J, Norwood M, Sturrock N, Fogarty AW. Demand for CT scans increases during transition from paediatric to adult care: an observational study from 2009 to 2015. Br J Radiol 2018; 91:20170467. [PMID: 29144163 PMCID: PMC5965482 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20170467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure is a clinical priority in children and young adults. We aimed to explore demand for CT scans in a busy general hospital with particular interest in the period of transition from paediatric to adult medical care. METHODS We used an observational epidemiological study based in a teaching hospital. Data were obtained on numbers and rates of CT scans from 2009 to 2015. The main outcome was age-stratified rates of receiving a CT scan. RESULTS There were a total of 262,221 CT scans. There was a large step change in the rate of CT scans over the period of transition from paediatric to adult medical care. Individuals aged 10-15 years experienced 6.7 CT scans per 1000 clinical episodes, while those aged 19-24 years experienced 19.8 CT scans per 1000 clinical episodes (p < 0.001). This difference remained significant for all sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION There is almost a threefold increase in rates of CT scans in the two populations before and after the period of transition from paediatric to adult medical care. While we were unable to adjust for case mix or quantify radiation exposure, paediatricians' diagnostic strategies to minimize radiation exposure may have clinical relevance for adult physicians, and hence enable reductions in ionizing radiation to patients. Advances in knowledge: A large increase in rates of CT scans occurs during adolescence, and considering paediatricians' strategies to minimize radiation exposure may enable reductions to all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andrew W Fogarty
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, Clinical Sciences Building, City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Clinical Sciences Building, City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
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Abstract
Importance Overuse of medical care is a well-recognized problem. Objective To identify and highlight original research articles published in 2016 that are most relevant to understanding medical overuse or strategies to reduce it. Evidence Review A structured review of English-language articles on PubMed published in 2016 coupled with examination of tables of contents of high-impact journals to identify articles related to medical overuse in adults. These articles were appraised for their importance to medicine. Findings This study considered 2252 articles, 1224 of which addressed medical overuse. Of these, 122 were deemed most relevant based on originality, methodologic quality, and number of patients potentially affected. The 10 most influential articles were selected by author consensus. Select findings from the studies include the lack of benefit of transesophageal echocardiography in the workup of cryptogenic stroke, increasing use of computed tomography in the emergency department from 2.2% to 9.4% from 2001 to 2010, and carotid ultrasonography and revascularization being performed for uncertain or inappropriate indications with 95% frequency. Likewise, services for which harms are likely to outweigh benefits include treatment for early-stage prostate cancer, which provides no mortality benefit but increases absolute risk of erectile dysfunction by 10% to 30%, oxygen for patients with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, surgery for meniscal tear with mechanical symptoms, and nutritional interventions for inpatients with malnutrition. This review highlights 2 methods for reducing overuse: clinician audit and feedback with peer comparison for antibiotic use (reduction in inappropriate antibiotic use from 20% to 4%) and a practical and sensible shared decision-making tool for low-risk chest pain (reduction in emergency department workup from 52% to 37%). Conclusions and Relevance The body of empirical work continues to expand related to medical services that are provided for inappropriate or uncertain indications. Engaging patients in conversations aimed at shared decision making and giving practitioners feedback about their performance relative to peers appear to be useful in reducing overuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Morgan
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
- Department of Hospital Epidemiology, Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore
| | - Sanket S Dhruva
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Eric R Coon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Scott M Wright
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Deborah Korenstein
- Department of Medicine and Center for Health Policy and Outcomes, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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11
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Newton EH. Addressing overuse in emergency medicine: evidence of a role for greater patient engagement. Clin Exp Emerg Med 2017; 4:189-200. [PMID: 29306268 PMCID: PMC5758625 DOI: 10.15441/ceem.17.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Overuse of health care refers to tests, treatments, and even health care settings when used in circumstances where they are unlikely to help. Overuse is not only wasteful, it threatens patient safety by exposing patients to a greater chance of harm than benefit. It is a widespread problem and has proved resistant to change. Overuse of diagnostic testing is a particular problem in emergency medicine. Emergency physicians cite fear of missing a diagnosis, fear of law suits, and perceived patient expectations as key contributors. However, physicians' assumptions about what patients expect are often wrong, and overlook two of patients' most consistently voiced priorities: communication and empathy. Evidence indicates that patients who are more fully informed and engaged in their care often opt for less aggressive approaches. Shared decision making refers to (1) providing balanced information so that patients understand their options and the trade-offs involved, (2) encouraging them to voice their preferences and values, and (3) engaging them-to the extent appropriate or desired-in decision making. By adopting this approach to discretionary decision making, physicians are better positioned to address patients' concerns without the use of tests and treatments patients neither need nor value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika H. Newton
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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12
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Patel VV, Andersson GBJ, Garfin SR, Resnick DL, Block JE. Utilization of CT scanning associated with complex spine surgery. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2017; 18:52. [PMID: 28143506 PMCID: PMC5282647 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-017-1420-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Due to the risk associated with exposure to ionizing radiation, there is an urgent need to identify areas of CT scanning overutilization. While increased use of diagnostic spinal imaging has been documented, no previous research has estimated the magnitude of follow-up imaging used to evaluate the postoperative spine. Methods This retrospective cohort study quantifies the association between spinal surgery and CT utilization. An insurance database (Humana, Inc.) with ≈ 19 million enrollees was employed, representing 8 consecutive years (2007–2014). Surgical and imaging procedures were captured by anatomic-specific CPT codes. Complex surgeries included all cervical, thoracic and lumbar instrumented spine fusions. Simple surgeries included discectomy and laminectomy. Imaging was restricted to CT and MRI. Postoperative imaging frequency extended to 5-years post-surgery. Results There were 140,660 complex spinal procedures and 39,943 discectomies and 49,889 laminectomies. MRI was the predominate preoperative imaging modality for all surgical procedures (median: 80%; range: 73–82%). Postoperatively, CT prevalence following complex procedures increased more than two-fold from 6 months (18%) to 5 years (≥40%), and patients having a postoperative CT averaged two scans. For simple procedures, the prevalence of postoperative CT scanning never exceeded 30%. Conclusions CT scanning is used frequently for follow-up imaging evaluation following complex spine surgery. There is emerging evidence of an increased cancer risk due to ionizing radiation exposure with CT. In the setting of complex spine surgery, actions to mitigate this risk should be considered and include reducing nonessential scans, using the lowest possible radiation dose protocols, exerting greater selectivity in monitoring the developing fusion construct, and adopting non-ferromagnetic implant biomaterials that facilitate MRI postoperatively. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1420-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas V Patel
- The Spine Center, University of Colorado Hospital, Denver, CO, USA
| | | | - Steven R Garfin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Donald L Resnick
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jon E Block
- , 2210 Jackson Street, Ste. 401, San Francisco, CA, 94115, USA.
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Wright née Blackwell R, Carden DL, Hess EP, Booker-Vaughns J, Dunn P, Kizzie-Gillett C, Vaughan W, Weingarten G, Williams P, Young-Brinn A, Grudzen C. Adapting Conceptual Frameworks for Patient Engagement in Emergency Department Research. Acad Emerg Med 2016; 23:1332-1336. [PMID: 27526646 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
For many people the emergency department (ED) is the first point of access to healthcare for acute needs and a recurring location for many with chronic healthcare needs. While the ED is well placed to identify unmet needs it can also be a net that people slip through when faced with uncoordinated and expensive healthcare challenges. Thus the ED has a responsibility to set patients on a safe and meaningful care trajectory, which can only be done in consultation and partnership with the patients themselves. The purpose of this article is to present crucial aspects of patient engagement that are essential for future research to foster an environment of colearning and respect that encourages ongoing involvement by patients, families, and staff.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Donna. L. Carden
- Department of Emergency Medicine; University of Florida; Gainesville FL
| | - Erik P. Hess
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Division of Emergency Medicine Research; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
| | - Juanita Booker-Vaughns
- Community Faculty 4H Education and Research Group Owner/CEO; Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science; Los Angeles CA
| | - Patrick Dunn
- Patient and Healthcare Innovation; American Heart Association; Dallas TX
- College of Health Sciences; Walden University; Minneapolis MN
| | - Constance Kizzie-Gillett
- Community Faculty and Lillie's Care Circle-Founder; Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science; Los Angeles CA
| | - William Vaughan
- Community Faculty and Healthy African American Families II; Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science; Los Angeles CA
| | - Gail Weingarten
- Community Faculty and Healthy African American Families II; Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science; Los Angeles CA
| | - Pluscedia Williams
- Community Faculty and Healthy African American Families II; Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science; Los Angeles CA
| | - Angela Young-Brinn
- Division of Community Engagement; Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science; Los Angeles CA
| | - Corita Grudzen
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine; NYU School of Medicine; New York City NY
- Department of Population Health; New York City NY
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