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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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Conombo B, Guertin JR, Tardif PA, Gagnon MA, Duval C, Archambault P, Berthelot S, Lauzier F, Turgeon AF, Stelfox HT, Chassé M, Hoch JS, Gabbe B, Champion H, Lecky F, Cameron P, Moore L. Economic Evaluation of In-Hospital Clinical Practices in Acute Injury Care: A Systematic Review. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2022; 25:844-854. [PMID: 35500953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2021.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Underuse of high-value clinical practices and overuse of low-value practices are major sources of inefficiencies in modern healthcare systems. To achieve value-based care, guidelines and recommendations should target both underuse and overuse and be supported by evidence from economic evaluations. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of the economic value of in-hospital clinical practices in acute injury care to advance knowledge on value-based care in this patient population. METHODS Pairs of independent reviewers systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register for full economic evaluations of in-hospital clinical practices in acute trauma care published from 2009 to 2019 (last updated on June 17, 2020). Results were converted into incremental net monetary benefit and were summarized with forest plots. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020164494). RESULTS Of 33 910 unique citations, 75 studies met our inclusion criteria. We identified 62 cost-utility, 8 cost-effectiveness, and 5 cost-minimization studies. Values of incremental net monetary benefit ranged from international dollars -467 000 to international dollars 194 000. Of 114 clinical interventions evaluated (vs comparators), 56 were cost-effective. We identified 15 cost-effective interventions in emergency medicine, 6 in critical care medicine, and 35 in orthopedic medicine. A total of 58 studies were classified as high quality and 17 as moderate quality. From studies with a high level of evidence (randomized controlled trials), 4 interventions were clearly dominant and 8 were dominated. CONCLUSIONS This research advances knowledge on value-based care for injury admissions. Results suggest that almost half of clinical interventions in acute injury care that have been studied may not be cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanchard Conombo
- Department of Social and Preventative Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada; Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma - Emergency - Critical Care Medicine, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus), Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Jason R Guertin
- Department of Social and Preventative Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Pier-Alexandre Tardif
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma - Emergency - Critical Care Medicine, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus), Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Marc-Aurèle Gagnon
- Department of Social and Preventative Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada; Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma - Emergency - Critical Care Medicine, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus), Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Cécile Duval
- Department of Social and Preventative Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada; Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma - Emergency - Critical Care Medicine, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus), Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Patrick Archambault
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada; VITAM-Centre de recherche en santé durable, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada; Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Simon Berthelot
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - François Lauzier
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexis F Turgeon
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Henry T Stelfox
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Medicine and Community Health Sciences, O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michaël Chassé
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Jeffrey S Hoch
- Division of Health Policy and Management, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Belinda Gabbe
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Howard Champion
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Annapolis, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Fiona Lecky
- School of Health and Related Research, Sheffield, England, UK
| | - Peter Cameron
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lynne Moore
- Department of Social and Preventative Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada; Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma - Emergency - Critical Care Medicine, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus), Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada.
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Çaylak ST, Yaka E, Yilmaz S, Doğan NÖ, Ozturan IU, Pekdemir M. Comparison of PECARN clinical decision rule and clinician suspicion in predicting intra-abdominal injury in children with blunt torso trauma in the emergency department. ULUS TRAVMA ACIL CER 2022; 28:529-536. [PMID: 35485505 PMCID: PMC10521006 DOI: 10.14744/tjtes.2020.40156] [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: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) developed a clinical decision rule to identify children at low risk for intra-abdominal injury requiring acute intervention (IAI-I) for reducing unnecessary radiation exposure of ab-dominal computed tomography (CT) after blunt torso trauma. This study aimed to compare the PECARN decision rule with clinician suspicion in identifying children at low risk of intra-abdominal injuries that an abdominal CT scan can be safely avoided. METHODS This study is a retrospective review of children with blunt torso trauma in an academic emergency department (ED) between 2011 and 2019. Patients were considered positive for the PECARN rule if they exhibited any of the variables. Clinician suspi-cion was defined as actual CT ordering of the treating physician. The primary outcome was IAI-I detected by imaging or surgery within 1 month after the trauma, and the secondary outcome was any intra-abdominal injury (IAI) presence. RESULTS Among the 768 children included, 48 (6.25%) had intra-abdominal injuries and 21 (2.73%) of whom underwent acute in-tervention. Four hundred and fifty-three (59%) children underwent abdominal CT scanning. If the PECARN rule had been applied, 232 patients would have undergone abdominal CT. The rule revealed 90.48% (95% CI=68.17-98.33%) sensitivity for IAI-I and 81.25% (95% CI=66.9-90.56%) for IAI. Clinician suspicion revealed sensitivities of 100% (95% CI=80.76-00%) and 93.75% (95% CI=81.79-98.37%) for IAI-I and IAI, respectively. Sensitivities of the rule and clinician suspicion were statistically similar for both IAI-I (p=0.5) and IAI (p=0.146). CONCLUSION In this study, the PECARN abdominal rule and clinician suspicion performed similarly in identifying intra-abdominal injuries in children with blunt torso trauma. However, our study supports the use of PECARN abdominal rule in addition to clinical judgment to limit unnecessary abdominal CT use in pediatric patients with blunt torso trauma in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevinç Taş Çaylak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gebze Fatih State Hospital, Kocaeli-Turkey
| | - Elif Yaka
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli-Turkey
| | - Serkan Yilmaz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli-Turkey
| | - Nurettin Özgür Doğan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli-Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Ulas Ozturan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli-Turkey
| | - Murat Pekdemir
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli-Turkey
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Can we reduce CT scan and hospital costs in children with blunt trauma using four parameters? ANNALS OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43159-021-00142-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Blunt trauma is one of the most common causes of admission to the emergency service in childhood. Children with trauma are generally evaluated in emergency services where pediatric and adult patients are together, and difficulties are experienced in managing children exposed to trauma. CT is preferred for quick detection and grading of toracoabdominal, skeleton, and neurological injury in high energy trauma. The present study aims to determine the severity of trauma and whether CT exposure can be reduced and patient cost using four parameters.
This study was conducted with 586 pediatric patients exposed to blunt abdominal trauma. The clinical prediction rule consisted of four parameters, including abdominal pain, physical examination findings, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and chest x-ray (CXR, which was used to predict intraabdominal injury in patients with blunt trauma. Patients with no parameters of the clinical decision rule were considered very low risk, and those with one or more parameters were considered at risk. The hospital cost of the patients with and without clinical decision rule was calculated and compared.
Results
In our study, according to the four-variable clinical prediction rule, 88.1% of the patients had a very low risk of intraabdominal injury and 11.9% of them were at risk. The sensitivity was 97.3%, specificity 98.2%, and accuracy was 97.4% in very low-risk patients with four variables clinical prediction rule. In the very low-risk patients, the abnormal CT rate was 0.3% and conservative treatment was performed. With the use of four variables, 0.17% of solid organ injuries may be overlooked. In the risk of patients, 2.9% of these patients were abnormal CT findings, while tube thoracostomy was performed in four patients with pneumothorax, conservative treatment was performed in other patients.
It was determined that routine computed tomography scan increased the patient cost by 5.5 times.
Conclusion
Patients exposed to blunt trauma with a very low risk of intra-abdominal injury can be identified with a four-variable clinical prediction rule. According to the four-variable clinical prediction rule, very low-risk patients do not require immediate CT. The hospital costs can be reduced by reducing the CT scan. However, it should be kept in mind that a small proportion of intra-abdominal injuries may be overlooked.
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Gaffley M, Neff LP, Sieren LM, Zeller KA, Pranikoff T, Rush T, Petty JK. Evaluation of an evidence-based guideline to reduce CT use in the assessment of blunt pediatric abdominal trauma. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:297-301. [PMID: 32788046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE About half of pediatric blunt trauma patients undergo an abdominopelvic computed tomographic (CT) scan, while few of these require intervention for an intraabdominal injury. We evaluated the effectiveness of an evidence-based guideline for blunt abdominal trauma at a Level I pediatric trauma center. METHODS Pediatric blunt trauma patients (n = 998) age 0-15 years who presented from the injury scene were evaluated over a 10 year period. After five years, we implemented our guideline in which the decision for CT was standardized based on mental status, abdominal examination, and laboratory results (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, hemoglobin, urinalysis). RESULTS There were no differences in age, GCS, SIPA or ISS scores between the patients before or after guideline implementation. Nearly half of the patients (48.3%) underwent CT scan before guideline implementation compared to 36.7% after (p < 0.0002). There was no difference in ISS (p = 0.44) between CT scanned patients in either group. No statistical differences were found in rate of intervention (p = 0.20), length of stay (p = 0.65), or readmission rate (0.2%) before versus after guideline implementation. There were no missed injuries. CONCLUSION Implementation of an evidence-based clinical guideline for pediatric patients with blunt abdominal trauma decreases the rate of CT utilization while accurately identifying significant injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Gaffley
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, General Surgery, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
| | - Lucas P Neff
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, General Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Leah M Sieren
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, General Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Kristen A Zeller
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, General Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Thomas Pranikoff
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, General Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Tammy Rush
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, General Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - John K Petty
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, General Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Overmann KM, Robinson BRH, Eckman MH. Cervical spine evaluation in pediatric trauma: A cost-effectiveness analysis. Am J Emerg Med 2019; 38:2347-2355. [PMID: 31870674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2019.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The emergent evaluation of children with suspected traumatic cervical spine injuries (CSI) remains a challenge. Pediatric clinical pathways have been developed to stratify the risk of CSI and guide computed tomography (CT) utilization. The cost-effectiveness of their application has not been evaluated. Our objective was to examine the cost-effectiveness of three common strategies for the evaluation of children with suspected CSI after blunt injury. METHODS We developed a decision analytic model comparing these strategies to estimate clinical outcomes and costs for a hypothetical population of 0-17 year old patients with blunt neck trauma. Strategies included: 1) clinical pathway to stratify risk using NEXUS criteria and determine need for diagnostic testing; 2) screening radiographs as a first diagnostic; and 3) immediate CT scanning for all patients. We measured effectiveness with quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and costs with 2018 U.S. dollars. Costs and effectiveness were discounted at 3% per year. RESULTS The use of the clinical pathway results in a gain of 0.04 QALYs and a cost saving of $2800 compared with immediate CT scanning of all patients. Use of the clinical pathway was less costly and more effective than immediate CT scan as long as the sensitivity of the clinical prediction rule was greater than 87% and when the sensitivity of x-ray was greater than 84%. CONCLUSION A strategy using a clinical pathway to first stratify risk before further diagnostic testing was less costly and more effective than either performing CT scanning or screening cervical radiographs on all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Overmann
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Bryce R H Robinson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, 325 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Mark H Eckman
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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An impact analysis of the NEXUS Chest CT clinical decision rule. Am J Emerg Med 2019; 38:906-910. [PMID: 31303535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2019.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The NEXUS Chest CT clinical decision rules (CDRs) have been proposed to safely guide selective chest CT use in blunt trauma evaluation. We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of the NEXUS Chest CT CDR to determine its impact on missed injuries, cost, and radiation exposure. METHODS We constructed a decision model comparing two strategies: implementation of the NEXUS Chest CDR vs. usual care in the evaluation of adults with blunt trauma. We derived probabilities, clinical outcomes, effective radiation dose (ERD) from the NEXUS Chest CT validation cohort and costs from the Charge-master at the primary study site. Our primary outcomes were cost and effective radiation dose (ERD) per missed clinically significant injury (CSI). RESULTS Using a hypothetical cohort of 1000 adults with blunt chest trauma in each arm, the base case model projected that the implementation of the CDR would result in 161 fewer chest CTs, 0.08 additional missed CSIs, a cost savings of $136,432 and a decrease in 1435 mSv, as compared to Usual Care. To detect one additional CSI, the Usual Care strategy would require 2015 more chest CTs with a cost of $1.8 million and 17,934 mSv more radiation. CONCLUSIONS Compared to usual care, implementation of the NEXUS Chest CT Major CDR in the evaluation of adults with blunt trauma would greatly reduce CT associated costs and radiation exposure with a slight increased risk of missed CSIs.
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Wurdeman SR, Stevens PM, Campbell JH. Mobility Analysis of AmpuTees (MAAT 4): classification tree analysis for probability of lower limb prosthesis user functional potential. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2019; 15:211-218. [PMID: 30741573 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2018.1555290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To develop a predictive model to inform the probability of lower limb prosthesis users' functional potential for ambulation.Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of a database of outcomes for 2770 lower limb prosthesis users was used to inform a classification and regression tree analysis. Gender, age, height, weight, body mass index adjusted for amputation, amputation level, cause of amputation, comorbid health status and functional mobility score [Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M™)] were entered as potential predictive variables. Patient K-Level was used to assign dependent variable status as unlimited community ambulator (i.e., K3 or K4) or limited community/household ambulator (i.e., K1 or K2). The classification tree was initially trained from 20% of the sample and subsequently tested with the remaining sample.Results: A classification tree was successfully developed, able to accurately classify 87.4% of individuals within the model's training group (standard error 1.4%), and 81.6% within the model's testing group (standard error 0.82%). Age, PLUS-M™ T-score, cause of amputation and body weight were retained within the tree logic.Conclusions: The resultant classification tree has the ability to provide members of the clinical care team with predictive probabilities of a patient's functional potential to help assist care decisions.Implications for RehabilitationClassification and regression tree analysis is a simple analytical tool that can be used to provide simple predictive models for patients with a lower limb prosthesis.The resultant classification tree had an 81.6% (standard error 0.82%) accuracy predicting functional potential as an unlimited community ambulator (i.e., K3 or K4) or limited community/ household ambulator (i.e., K1 or K2) in an unknown group of 2770 lower limb prosthesis users.The resultant classification tree can assist with the rehabilitation team's care planning providing probabilities of functional potential for the lower limb prosthesis user.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane R Wurdeman
- Department of Clinical and Scientific Affairs, Hanger Clinic, Austin, TX, USA.,Department of Biomechanics, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Phillip M Stevens
- Department of Clinical and Scientific Affairs, Hanger Clinic, Austin, TX, USA.,School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - James H Campbell
- Department of Clinical and Scientific Affairs, Hanger Clinic, Austin, TX, USA
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Leeper CM, Nasr I, Koff A, McKenna C, Gaines BA. Implementation of clinical effectiveness guidelines for solid organ injury after trauma: 10-year experience at a level 1 pediatric trauma center. J Pediatr Surg 2018. [PMID: 28625692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnostic imaging of pediatric blunt abdominal trauma is evolving in light of increased attention to radiation exposure. We hypothesize that the implementation of imaging guidelines has reduced total CT scans without missing clinically significant injury. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed blunt trauma patients age 0-17 with solid organ injury who underwent CT scan at our academic level 1 pediatric trauma center between 2005 and 2014. Variables including total annual trauma admissions and CT scans, demographics, injury characteristics, and procedures were recorded. Descriptive statistics, Fisher exact and rank sum testing were performed. p<0.05 defined significance. RESULTS Overall percentage of abdominal CT scans decreased significantly after protocol implementation. There were 498 solid organ injuries in 403 subjects. There was a significant decrease in the median percentage of low grade injuries (1.3% versus 0.6%; p=0.019) but no difference in high grade injuries (1.3% versus 1.1%; p=0.394). No patient had death, readmission or delayed diagnosis of injury requiring intervention. CONCLUSION Implementation of imaging guidelines for blunt abdominal trauma decreased the incidence of low grade solid organ injuries at our institution, but did not inhibit diagnosis and safe management of high grade injuries. Selective imaging of trauma patients decreases childhood radiation exposure and does not result in delayed bleeding or death. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, retrospective study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Leeper
- Division of General Surgery and Trauma, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. 7th Floor, Faculty Pavilion, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.
| | - Isam Nasr
- The Johns Hopkins Department of Surgery, 1800 Orleans Street Pediatric Surgery Bloomberg 7323, Baltimore, MD 2128.
| | - Abigail Koff
- Division of General Surgery and Trauma, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Christine McKenna
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. 7th Floor, Faculty Pavilion, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.
| | - Barbara A Gaines
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. 7th Floor, Faculty Pavilion, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.
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Outcomes of an accelerated care pathway for pediatric blunt solid organ injuries in a public healthcare system. J Pediatr Surg 2017; 52:826-831. [PMID: 28188036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE An accelerated clinical care pathway for solid organ abdominal injuries was implemented at a level one pediatric trauma center. The impact on resource utilization and demonstration of protocol safety was assessed. METHODS Data were collected retrospectively on patients admitted with blunt abdominal solid organ injuries from 2012 to 2015. Patients were subdivided into pre- and post-protocol groups. Length of hospital stay (LOS) and failure of non-operative treatment were the primary outcomes of interest. RESULTS 138 patients with solid organ injury were studied: 73 pre- (2012-2014) and 65 post-protocol (2014-2015). There were no significant differences in age, gender, injury severity score (ISS), injury grade, or mechanism (p>0.05). LOS was shorter post-protocol (mean 5.6 vs. 3.4days; median 5 .0 vs. 3.0days; p=0.0002), resulting in average savings of $5966 per patient. Patients in the protocol group mobilized faster (p<0.0001) and experienced fewer blood draws (p=0.02). On multivariate analysis, protocol group (p<0.001) and ISS (p<0.001) were independently associated with LOS. There were no differences between groups in the need for operation, embolization, or transfusion. CONCLUSION An accelerated care pathway is safe and effective in the management of pediatric solid organ injuries with early mobilization, less blood draws, and decreased LOS without significant morbidity and mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, cost effectiveness, level III.
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Re-evaluation of liver transaminase cutoff for CT after pediatric blunt abdominal trauma. Pediatr Surg Int 2017; 33:311-316. [PMID: 27878593 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-016-4026-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Current guidelines for computed tomography (CT) after blunt trauma were developed to capture all intra-abdominal injuries (IAI). We hypothesize that current AST/ALT guidelines are too low leading to unnecessary CT scans for children after blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). METHODS Patients who received CT of the abdomen after blunt trauma at our Level I Pediatric Trauma Center were stratified into a high risk (HR) (liver/spleen/kidney grade ≥III, hollow viscous, or pancreatic injuries) and low risk (LR) (liver/kidney/spleen injuries grade ≤II, or no IAI) groups. RESULTS 247 patients were included. Of the 18 patients in the HR group, two required surgery (splenectomy and sigmoidectomy). Transfusion was required in 30% of grade III and 50% of grade IV injuries. Eleven (5%) patients in LR group were transfused for indications other than IAI, and none were explored surgically. Both AST (r = 0.44, p < 0.001) and ALT (r = 0.43, p < 0.001) correlated with grade of liver injury. Using an increased threshold of AST/ALT, 400/200 had a negative predictive value of 96% in predicting the presence of HR liver injuries. CONCLUSION The current cutoff of liver enzymes leads to over-identification of LR injuries. Consideration should be given to an approach that aims to utilize CT in pediatric BAT that identifies clinically HR injury.
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Bhatti KM, Taqi KM, Al-Harthy AZS, Hamid RS, Al-Balushi ZN, Sankhla DK, Al-Qadhi HA. Paediatric Blunt Torso Trauma: Injury mechanisms, patterns and outcomes among children requiring hospitalisation at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2016; 16:e210-6. [PMID: 27226913 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.2016.16.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2015] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Trauma is the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality in paediatric/adolescent populations worldwide. This study aimed to describe trauma mechanisms, patterns and outcomes among children with blunt torso trauma admitted to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) in Muscat, Oman. METHODS This retrospective single-centre study involved all children ≤12 years old with blunt torso trauma admitted for paediatric surgical care at SQUH between January 2009 and December 2013. Medical records were analysed to collect demographic and clinical data. RESULTS A total of 70 children were admitted with blunt torso trauma during the study period, including 39 (55.7%) male patients. The mean age was 5.19 ± 2.66 years. Of the cohort, 35 children (50.0%) received their injuries after having been hit by cars as pedestrians, while 19 (27.1%) were injured by falls, 12 (17.1%) during car accidents as passengers and four (5.7%) by falling heavy objects. According to computed tomography scans, thoracic injuries were most common (65.7%), followed by abdominal injuries (42.9%). The most commonly involved solid organs were the liver (15.7%) and spleen (11.4%). The majority of the patients were managed conservatively (92.9%) with a good outcome (74.3%). The mortality rate was 7.1%. Most deaths were due to multisystem involvement. CONCLUSION Among children with blunt torso trauma admitted to SQUH, the main mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accidents. As a result, parental education and enforcement of infant car seat/child seat belt laws are recommended. Conservative management was the most successful approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid M Bhatti
- Departments of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Kadhim M Taqi
- Departments of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Rana S Hamid
- Radiology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | | | | | - Hani A Al-Qadhi
- Departments of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
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Finnerty NM, Rodriguez RM, Carpenter CR, Sun BC, Theyyunni N, Ohle R, Dodd KW, Schoenfeld EM, Elm KD, Kline JA, Holmes JF, Kuppermann N. Clinical Decision Rules for Diagnostic Imaging in the Emergency Department: A Research Agenda. Acad Emerg Med 2015; 22:1406-16. [PMID: 26567885 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major gaps persist in the development, validation, and implementation of clinical decision rules (CDRs) for diagnostic imaging. OBJECTIVES The objective of this working group and article was to generate a consensus-based research agenda for the development and implementation of CDRs for diagnostic imaging in the emergency department (ED). METHODS The authors followed consensus methodology, as outlined by the journal Academic Emergency Medicine (AEM), combining literature review, electronic surveys, telephonic communications, and a modified nominal group technique. Final discussions occurred in person at the 2015 AEM consensus conference. RESULTS A research agenda was developed, prioritizing the following questions: 1) what are the optimal methods to justify the derivation and validation of diagnostic imaging CDRs, 2) what level of evidence is required before disseminating CDRs for widespread implementation, 3) what defines a successful CDR, 4) how should investigators best compare CDRs to clinical judgment, and 5) what disease states are amenable (and highest priority) to development of CDRs for diagnostic imaging in the ED? CONCLUSIONS The concepts discussed herein demonstrate the need for further research on CDR development and implementation regarding diagnostic imaging in the ED. Addressing this research agenda should have direct applicability to patients, clinicians, and health care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan M. Finnerty
- Department of Emergency Medicine; The Ohio State University College of Medicine; Columbus OH
| | - Robert M. Rodriguez
- Department of Emergency Medicine; University of California San Francisco School of Medicine; San Francisco CA
| | - Christopher R. Carpenter
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Division of Emergency Medicine; Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine; St. Louis MO
| | - Benjamin C. Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Oregon Health & Science University; Portland OR
| | - Nik Theyyunni
- Department of Emergency Medicine; University of Michigan Medical School; Ann Arbor MI
| | - Robert Ohle
- Department of Emergency Medicine; University of Ottawa; Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Kenneth W. Dodd
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Hennepin County Medical Center; Minneapolis MN
- Department of Internal Medicine; Hennepin County Medical Center; Minneapolis MN
| | - Elizabeth M. Schoenfeld
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Baystate Medical Center; Tufts University School of Medicine; Springfield MA
| | - Kendra D. Elm
- Department of Emergency Medicine; University of Minnesota Medical School; Minneapolis MN
| | - Jeffrey A. Kline
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis IN
| | - James F. Holmes
- Department of Emergency Medicine; UC Davis School of Medicine; Sacramento CA
| | - Nathan Kuppermann
- Department of Emergency Medicine; UC Davis School of Medicine; Sacramento CA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Our objective is to highlight recent literature investigating low-radiation diagnostic strategies in the evaluation of pediatric trauma. RECENT FINDINGS In the area of minor head injury, research has focused on implementation of validated clinical decision rules into practice to reduce unnecessary computed tomography scans. Clinical observation may also serve as an adjunct to initial assessment and a potential substitute for computed tomography imaging. Subgroups of children with special needs or severe injury mechanisms may also be safely characterized by the clinical decision rule and spared radiation exposure. Physical examination techniques may be useful in diagnosing mandibular fractures. In addition, evidence suggests that plain radiography for evaluation of blunt thoracic trauma may be sufficient in many cases, and computed tomography could be reserved for those with abnormal radiographs, high-risk mechanisms, or abnormal physical findings. Clinical decision rules are able to predict intra-abdominal injury with high sensitivity. Data suggest that skeletal surveys may be modified to limit radiation exposure in the case of suspected nonaccidental trauma. SUMMARY More research is needed in development of pediatric-specific clinical decision rules and risk stratification and in testing low-radiation diagnostic modalities in the pediatric trauma population.
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