@article{ref1,
title="Declining trend in the use of repeat computed tomography for trauma patients admitted to a level I trauma center for traffic-related injuries",
journal="European journal of radiology",
year="2013",
author="Psoter, Kevin J. and Roudsari, Bahman S. and Graves, Janessa M. and Mack, Christopher and Jarvik, Jeffrey G.",
volume="82",
number="6",
pages="969-973",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the trend in utilization of repeat (i.e. ≥2) computed tomography (CT) and to compare utilization patterns across body regions for trauma patients admitted to a level I trauma center for traffic-related injuries (TRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We linked the Harborview Medical Center trauma registry (1996-2010) to the billing department data. We extracted the following variables: type and frequency of CTs performed, age, gender, race/ethnicity, insurance status, injury mechanism and severity, length of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and final disposition. TRIs were defined as motor vehicle collisions, motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian-related injuries. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between utilization of different body region repeat (i.e. ≥2) CTs and year of admission, adjusting for patient and injury-related characteristics that could influence utilization patterns. RESULTS: A total of 28,431 patients were admitted for TRIs over the study period and 9499 (33%) received repeat CTs. From 1996 to 2010, the proportion of patients receiving repeat CTs decreased by 33%. Relative to 2000 and adjusting for other covariates, patients with TRIs admitted in 2010 had significantly lower odds of undergoing repeat head (OR=0.61; 95% CI: 0.49-0.76), pelvis (OR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.27-0.52), cervical spine (OR=0.23; 95% CI: 0.12-0.43), and maxillofacial CTs (OR=0.24; 95% CI: 0.10-0.57). However, they had higher odds of receiving repeat thoracic CTs (OR=1.86; 95% CI: 1.02-3.38). CONCLUSION: A significant decrease in the utilization of repeat CTs was observed in trauma patients presenting with traffic-related injuries over a 15-year period.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0720-048X",
doi="10.1016/j.ejrad.2012.12.007",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrad.2012.12.007"
}