CT use more than triples in the ED, but use of the technology may be linked with a significant drop in hospitalizations.

A new study shows that use of computed tomography (CT) scanning has exploded in the ED in recent years, despite high-profile concerns regarding patient exposure to radiation. The retrospective study, which looked at CT use in the ED from 1996 to 2007, suggests that use of the technology grew by 330% during the study period. However, the study suggests that the increase in CT use may be linked with a significant decrease in hospitalization following the use of CT.The rate of hospitalization following a CT went from 26% in 1996 to 12.1% in 2007. However, experts remain concerned that more needs to be done to curb excessive use of CT. In fact, the Joint Commission has issued a Sentinel Event Alert, urging hospitals to implement safeguards with respect to CT scans. Potential targets for improvement include use of CT for flank pain, head injury, neck injury, and pulmonary embolism; experts say evidence-based guidelines suggest alternative diagnostic approaches in these cases. Peer review of testing patterns may help to curb excessive CT use, but experts say ED managers and emergency physicians need to come up with new strategies to address the problem.