Improving the Management of Adults with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: An Initiative to Reduce Unnecessary Computerized Tomography Scans in the Emergency Department-Improving the Management of Adults with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: An Initiative to Reduce Unnecessary Computerized Tomography Scans in the Emergency Department

Improving the Management of Adults with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: An Initiative to Reduce Unnecessary Computerized Tomography Scans in the Emergency Department - Video

Back to course

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Rachel Helms presented a quality improvement project aimed at reducing unnecessary CT scans for adults with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) in the emergency department (ED). Over 90% of CT scans for MTBI are negative, leading to increased costs, radiation exposure, and ED overcrowding. Using the Canadian CT Head Rule (CCHR), a validated clinical decision tool, can safely reduce avoidable CT scans, lower costs, and decrease ED length of stay. Helms implemented an educational program for ED providers and staff, resulting in increased CCHR adherence from 64.6% to 74.3%, reduced unnecessary CT scans, shorter patient stays, and maintained patient safety.

Keywords

mild traumatic brain injury

Canadian CT Head Rule

emergency department

CT scan reduction

quality improvement