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Completed
NCT06985914
Retrospective Study of CT Scan Indications in Adult Emergency Departments
Conditions: CT Scan
Sex: All
Ages: 18 Years – N/A
Healthy volunteers: No
Enrollment: 858
Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Toulon La Seyne sur Mer
Location: CHITS Toulon VAR
Summary
The use of CT scans has significantly improved the diagnosis of various pathologies in emergency departments. However, it is also associated with several drawbacks, including high costs and a proven carcinogenic risk to patients, depending on the dose of radiation received. Furthermore, the ecological impact of this imaging modality should not be overlooked, as each CT scan generates approximately 2 kg of CO₂, contributing to global warming. These concerns underscore the importance of ensuring that CT scans are performed only when clinically justified.
This context motivated our study: a retrospective, descriptive analysis conducted in the emergency department of Sainte Musse Hospital over a 28-day period in 2024. The selected days are distributed to reflect an equivalent representation of weekdays, weekends, and public holidays, as well as seasonal variations.
Our primary objective is to calculate the proportion of CT scans that were appropriately justified. The investigators will assess three key metrics:
* The rate of CT scans justified based on official clinical guidelines.
* The rate of CT scans justified by a change in patient management.
* The rate of CT scans performed at the request of a specialist consulted during the emergency department visit.
The ultimate aim of our study is to evaluate the extent of potential overuse of CT scans in the emergency setting and, if applicable, to raise awareness among emergency physicians regarding the importance of balancing clinical benefit against potential risks for the patient.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults (\> 18 years)
* CT scans performed in emergencies in 2024 at Hôpital Ste Musse -
Exclusion Criteria:
1. CT scans performed outside the emergency department
2. Patients managed through the neurovascular pathway
3. Patients under protective supervision (e.g., guardianship or legal protection)
4. Patients who refuse to participate in the research -
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06985914). StuddyBuddy aggregates publicly available trial information.