{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Imaging overuse in the emergency department: The view of radiologists and emergency physicians.
{Author}: Kwee RM;Toxopeus R;Kwee TC;
{Journal}: Eur J Radiol
{Volume}: 176
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jul 28
{Factor}: 4.531
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2024.111536
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To identify the perceived factors contributing to imaging overuse in the emergency department, according to radiologists and emergency physicians.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A survey study on imaging overuse in the emergency department was conducted among 66 radiologists and 425 emergency physicians. Five-point Likert scales (not a problem at all/strongly disagree [score 1] to very serious problem/strongly agree [score 5]) were used to score the various aspects of overimaging.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Both radiologists and emergency physicians gave a median score of 4 to the question if imaging overuse is a problem in their emergency department. CT accounts for the vast majority of imaging overuse, according to both radiologists (84.8%) and emergency physicians (75.3%). Defensive medicine/fear of malpractice, the presence of less experienced staff, and easy access to imaging all were given a median score of 4 as factors that influence imaging overuse, by both physician groups. Median ratings regarding the influence of pressure from patients and a lack of time to examine patients on imaging overuse varied between 3 and 4 for radiologists and emergency physicians. Pressure from consultants to perform imaging, the use of imaging to decrease turnaround time in the emergency department, a lack of space in the emergency department, a lack of proper medical education, and inability to access outside imaging studies, were also indicated to give rise to imaging overuse.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Imaging overuse in the emergency department (particularly CT overuse) is a problem according to most radiologists and emergency physicians, and is driven by several factors.