Training emergency department clinicians to interpret CT head scans
Simulation Training in Emergency Department Imaging 2
This study is testing whether training emergency department doctors to read CT head scans on their own can help them make faster and more accurate decisions for patients.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 294 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 6 sites (Frimley, Berkshire and 5 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05427838 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to improve the ability of emergency department clinicians to interpret CT head scans independently, thereby reducing delays in patient care. A total of 180 clinicians across six hospitals in the UK will participate in a baseline assessment to evaluate their current interpretation skills. Following this, they will undergo online simulation training and complete a follow-up assessment to measure improvements in accuracy and confidence. The study will also explore the challenges faced by clinicians during the interpretation process.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are emergency department clinicians who regularly review CT head scans as part of their clinical duties.
Not a fit: Patients who have already received formal postgraduate training in CT reporting or have extensive experience in radiology or neurosurgery may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this training could enhance the speed and accuracy of CT scan interpretations, leading to quicker clinical decisions and improved patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches to training have shown promise in other settings, this specific method of online simulation training for CT interpretation is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Emergency department clinicians who review CT head scans as part of their clinical practice. 2. Working in the relevant ED during the clinical phase of the project. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Previous formal postgraduate CT reporting training. 2. Previous career to registrar level in radiology/neurosurgery. 3. Staff in Emergency Department post for less than 4 months.
Where this trial is running
Frimley, Berkshire and 5 other locations
- NHS Frimley Health Foundation Trust — Frimley, Berkshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Royal Berkshire Hospital — Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Milton Keynes University Hospital — Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Stoke Mandeville Hospital — Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Horton General Hospital — Banbury, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- John Radcliffe Hospital — Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alex Novak, Medicine
- Email: alex.novak@ouh.nhs.uk
- Phone: 01865222003
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.