This is a prospective quality improvement study to assess the effect of using an audit-and-feedback process for emergency providers on utilization of computed tomography of the cervical spine. The objective of this study is to determine whether providing repeated individualized feedback on CT C-spine utilization to emergency providers alters their practice pattern and reduces overutilization. The investigators hypothesize that emergency providers who receive individualized feedback regarding their CT C-spine utilization on a regular basis will alter their practice pattern to reduce overutilization of this imaging study.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
80
Providers are given feedback on their practice patterns of ordering computed tomography of the cervical spine.
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Percent NEXUS-Negative
Percentage of CT C-spine studies that an individual provider ordered on NEXUS-negative patients
Time frame: 6 months
Number of Fractures
Number of cervical spine fractures identified on CT for patients who are NEXUS-negative
Time frame: 6 months
Clinically Significant Fractures
Number of cervical spine fractures identified on CT for patients who are NEXUS-negative that required procedural intervention, hospitalization, or prolonged immobilization
Time frame: 6 months
Number of CTs
Number of CT scans of the cervical spine ordered by each provider
Time frame: 6 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.