Effect of the implementation of a new guideline for minor head injury on computed tomography-ratio and hospitalizations in the Netherlands

Objective A new nationwide guideline for minor head injury was introduced in the Netherlands in 2010. The effect on computed tomography (CT) ratio and hospital admission ratio after introduction of the guideline is unknown. The aim was to reduce these numbers as part of cost-effective health care. Therefore, we assessed the effect on these variables after introduction of the guideline. Methods We used an interrupted time-series study design. Data selection was done 3 years before (2007–2009) and several years after (2012, 2014, 2015) introduction of the guideline. Results Data collection was performed for 3880 patients. Introduction of the new guideline was associated with an increase in CT ratio from 24.6% before to 55% after introduction (P
Source: European Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research