Original Title: Análisis del uso de la radiología simple de cráneo, tórax y abdomen en los servicios de urgencia hospitalarios

Authors' objectives: This survey focuses upon the use of simple cranium, chest and abdomen radiology and will analyse its use in Emergency Services, the scientific evidence available on the application of these resources and the costs associated with their use.

Authors' results and conclusions: During the period 1996 – 1999, the average simple radiographic exploration rate for every thousand patients attended to by the Emergency Services of Osakidetza hospitals was 672, ranging between 427 and 932 according to hospital. Approximately a third of these involved chest x-rays. The information systems currently available do not allow us to clarify why there are these differences, although in general, all hospitals show a slight increase in rates. ANALYSIS OF THE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE No Randomised Clinical Test has been found to analyse the impact on health of using the rules, guides or protocols for clinical decisions applied in simple cranium, chest or abdomen radiology. A panel of experts of the American College of Radiology (ACR) has classified the level of appropriateness of the use of conventional cranium, chest and abdomen radiology in different clinical situations. RESOURCES AND COSTS The current tariff for invoicing the health services of the hospital centres within the Osakidetza network indicates that the price of a conventional radiological exploration is 1500 pesetas. The costs we have estimated amount to 1423 pesetas per exploration, of which 83% are personnel costs. The potential saving deriving from not requesting a simple radiograph would be only 247.6 pesetas (1.5 Euros), which would correspond to variable costs. OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT A number of basic tools to optimise the prescription of these radiological tests would include the unification of criteria in requesting radiological tests in order to reduce the level of variability detected, the development and implementation of better information systems and research in order to improve the quality of the evidence.

Authors' recommendations: Suggestions aimed at health officials and professional associations would include encouraging the development and implementation of protocols for adequate utilisation, support for the development of information systems that allow the analysis of clinical practice and the variability between professionals and information for the public on the risks and benefits of radiological explorations. According to the scientific evidence and recommendations of expert committees, the indications for the adequate use of these tests can be summarised as follows: - Simple cranium radiography: this is an appropriate diagnostic technique in patients with cranial traumatism with suspected bone fracture, penetrating wound or foreign radioopaque body. In children it would be recommended for traumatism with suspected fracture or penetrating wound, in the case of suspected physical abuse and in all children of under 2 years of age. - Simple chest radiograph: this is an appropriate diagnostic technique in patients with suspected pneumonia, hemoptysis, dyspnea, suspected pneumothorax, suspected rib fracture or acute respiratory disease accompanied by dementia, leukocytosis, hypoxemia, ischemic heart disease, cardiac insufficiency or in cases of patients of over 40 years of age. - Simple abdomen radiography: this is an appropriate diagnostic technique in patients with suspected perforation, intestinal obstruction, abdominal traumatism, outbreak of Crohn's disease with suspected complications or suspected appendicitis with atypical presentation.

Authors' methods: Survey

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2001

URL for published report: https://www.euskadi.eus/contenidos/informacion/2001_osteba_publicacion/es_def/adjuntos/2001/d_01-04_radiologia_simple.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Spain

Organisation Name: Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: C/ Donostia – San Sebastián, 1 (Edificio Lakua II, 4ª planta) 01010 Vitoria - Gasteiz

Contact Name: Lorea Galnares-Cordero

Contact Email: lgalnares@bioef.eus

Copyright: <p>Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment, Health Department Basque Government (OSTEBA)</p>