Inappropriate computed tomography examinations among children and young adults in a limited resource setting: A cross-sectional retrospective study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency and appropriateness of common CT examinations among children and young adults. Materials and Methods Design: Cross-sectional retrospective review.Study setting: Six hospital-based CT units including public, private not-for-profit (PNFP), private for -profit, tertiary hospitals and university teaching hospitals. Data source: Paper-based requests for patients aged 35 years and below who had CT examinations performed between 1st July and 31st December 2018 were reviewed independently for appropriateness using an online European Society of Radiology guideline (ESR iGuide). https://prod.esriguide.org. Scores 7-9 were classified as appropriate, while 1-6 as inappropriate. Outcome measure: The primary outcome measure was the appropriateness rate (AR) for a group.Results: Of 909 CT examinations 57% were from PNFP hospitals, 29.5% (268/909) for children, 82% 82% (746/909) for head and 73% (666/909) for non-contrasted examinations. Overall inappropriate CT examinations were 38% (347/909), significantly from PNFP (230/347, 66.2%, p