Using whole-body CT scans to identify low-risk trauma patients in the emergency department
Pertinence de la PREscription du Scanner Corps-Entier Aux Urgences : un Outil d'Identification Des Patients à Bas Risque
This study is testing a new tool to help emergency doctors decide if trauma patients really need whole-body CT scans, aiming to reduce unnecessary scans and their costs for adults hurt in accidents or falls.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 2018 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Rouen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rouen) |
| Trial ID | NCT05588791 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a decision support tool that utilizes the Vittel score to guide emergency physicians in the prescription of whole-body computed tomography (CT) scans for trauma patients. The study focuses on reducing unnecessary scans, which can lead to high costs and increased radiation exposure. By categorizing patients based on their risk of serious injury, the goal is to improve resource allocation and patient management in emergency settings. The study will include adult patients who have experienced trauma from road accidents or falls and are undergoing assessment in the emergency room.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients who have sustained trauma from road accidents or falls and are being evaluated in the emergency department.
Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological impairment, respiratory or hemodynamic failure, or other serious medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate identification of low-risk patients, reducing unnecessary CT scans and associated risks.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of decision support tools in emergency settings is gaining traction, this specific approach using the Vittel score for whole-body CT scans is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Any adult patient undergoing an SCE as part of a post-traumatic lesion assessment during a stay in the emergency room. * Mechanism of injury: road accident or fall. * Patient having read and understood the information letter and given his oral consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological impairment defined by a Glasgow score of less than 8. * Respiratory failure with SpO2 \< 90% on oxygen or with the use of ventilatory assistance. * Hemodynamic failure with vascular filling greater than 1000 cc or recourse to catecholamines. * Acute alcoholism. * Taking narcotics. * History of cognitive disorders. * Current pregnancy. * Suicidal patient. * Trauma related to a brawl * Penetrating trauma. * Hemophilia. * Known thrombocytopenia at the time of inclusion. * Heart, lung, liver or kidney transplant patient. * Person deprived of liberty by an administrative or judicial decision or person placed under legal safeguard / sub-tutorship or curatorship.
Where this trial is running
Rouen
- Services des Urgences Adultes — Rouen, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: David MALLET
- Email: secretariat.DRC@chu-rouen.fr
- Phone: 0033 2 32 88 82 65
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.