Improving emergency diagnostic testing safety
Safely Improving Emergency Diagnostic Testing through Clinical Safe Harbors
This study is working to make emergency medical tests safer by creating guidelines that help doctors choose the right tests and avoid unnecessary ones, so patients can have better conversations about their care and face fewer risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10597666 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the safety of emergency diagnostic testing by establishing a 'safe harbor' standard of care based on medical evidence and expert consultation. It focuses on reducing the overuse of potentially harmful tests and procedures, particularly in emergency medicine, where the risk of missed diagnoses is high. By linking the Choosing Wisely campaign to medical liability considerations, the project seeks to create a framework that encourages appropriate testing while protecting healthcare providers legally. Patients will benefit from more informed discussions about their care and reduced exposure to unnecessary risks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients receiving emergency care who may be subjected to diagnostic testing.
Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving emergency care or who do not require diagnostic testing may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer emergency diagnostic practices and better patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that linking clinical guidelines to legal protections can improve adherence to best practices, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Storrow, Alan B — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Storrow, Alan B
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.