Evaluating the Justification of CT Scans in Emergency Departments
Retrospective Study of CT Scan Indications in Adult Emergency Departments: Are They Justified and Aligned With Official Guidelines
This study looks at how many CT scans done in the emergency department are really needed according to medical guidelines to help understand their use and impact.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Toulon La Seyne sur Mer Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Toulon, VAR) |
| Trial ID | NCT06985914 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study conducts a retrospective analysis of CT scan usage in the emergency department of Sainte Musse Hospital over a 28-day period in 2024. It aims to determine the proportion of CT scans that were appropriately justified according to clinical guidelines. The analysis will consider various factors, including the day of the week and seasonal variations, to provide a comprehensive overview of CT scan indications. The study addresses concerns regarding the rising use of CT scans, their associated costs, radiation risks, and environmental impact.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years who underwent CT scans in emergency situations at Hôpital Ste Musse in 2024.
Not a fit: Patients who had CT scans performed outside the emergency department or those under protective supervision may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more appropriate use of CT scans, reducing unnecessary radiation exposure and healthcare costs for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have highlighted concerns about the appropriateness of CT scan usage, indicating that this analysis could provide valuable insights into a well-documented issue.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (\> 18 years) * CT scans performed in emergencies in 2024 at Hôpital Ste Musse - Exclusion Criteria: 1. CT scans performed outside the emergency department 2. Patients managed through the neurovascular pathway 3. Patients under protective supervision (e.g., guardianship or legal protection) 4. Patients who refuse to participate in the research -
Where this trial is running
Toulon, VAR
- Chits — Toulon, Var, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Asmaa JOBIC
- Email: Asmaa.jobic@ch-toulon.fr
- Phone: 04 83 77 20 61
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.