Emergency departments (ED) internationally are treating an increasing number of patients. Most require hospital services but some could be better cared for on alternative pathways. D-dimer has some unique properties. It is non-specific and is elevated in many acute condi- tions; but conversely remains normal in the absence of significant disease. Previous studies have shown that having a normal D-dimer on arrival to the emergency department is associated with a very low risk of 30-day all-cause mortality. The investigators propose a multicenter randomized controlled trial using D-dimer to identify patients at low risk and test if providing this information will change time to discharge disposition by the treating physician.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
1,538
The investigators will measure a D-dimer test on participants and randomize on informing the physician on the value.
Esbjerg Hospital
Esbjerg, Syd, Denmark
RECRUITINGOdense University Hospital
Odense, Syd, Denmark
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGLength of stay
Length of initial emergency department stay (i.e., time from arrival to the emergency department to decision to discharge home or transfer to another department is made (as reported from the treating physician to the study nurse)).
Time frame: From arrival to physician decision within 4 hours of arrival
7- and 30-day all-cause mortality from arrival
7- and 30-day all-cause mortality from arrival
Time frame: From arrival until 30-days later
Hospital length of stay
Hospital length of stay
Time frame: From arrival until final discharge within 1 month
Re-contacts to the emergency department within 30 days from arrival for any reason
Re-contacts to the emergency department within 30 days from arrival for any reason
Time frame: From arrival until 30-days later
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