Racial difference in receiving computed tomography for head injury patients in emergency departments

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Radiology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Previous research indicates potential racial disparities in emergency department (ED) imaging, but findings are inconsistent.
• Limited inclusion of diverse minority groups in prior studies hinders a comprehensive understanding of these disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate racial and ethnic variations in the administration rates of head computed tomography (CT) scans for patients with head injuries in EDs.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey database.
• Inclusion of patients with head injuries visiting EDs, examining head CT administration as the primary outcome.
• Multivariable logistic regression was used, adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics, comparing Asian, Hispanic, Black, and White patients.

Main Results:

• Overall, 51.9% of 6130 head injury patients received a head CT.
• Asian patients were significantly more likely to receive a head CT compared to White patients (59.1% vs. 54.0%, p < 0.001).
• This increased likelihood for Asian patients persisted after adjustment (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.06-2.16). No significant differences were found for Black or Hispanic patients compared to White patients.

Conclusions:

• Asian head injury patients exhibit a higher likelihood of receiving head CT scans in EDs compared to White patients.
• Potential contributing factors include limited English proficiency and linguistic diversity among Asian populations.
• Further research is recommended to explore disparities in other diagnostic imaging modalities and develop targeted interventions.