Reducing Unnecessary X-Rays for Nasal Fractures: A Quality Improvement Project

BackgroundChoosing Wisely Canada recommends against the use of nasal bone X-rays for the evaluation of nasal fractures. The goal of this quality improvement project was to reduce the number of nasal bone X-rays ordered at our institution by 50% by 1 year.MethodsThe Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model for Improvement was used, and a pre- and post-intervention study was conducted. Change ideas included the following: a clinical decision support tool, provider surveys, and education. The number of X-rays ordered monthly was monitored. Financial cost (labor, materials, and overhead) was assessed. Environmental impact was extrapolated based on carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO₂e). Balancing measures included the use of computed tomography (CT) scans. Analysis included summary statistics, statistical process control charting, and unpaired t-tests.ResultsThere was a 73% reduction in total X-rays ordered from 197 pre-intervention (September 2021-November 2022) to 58 post-intervention (December 2022-February 2024). There was a statistically-significant decrease in difference of means of 2.6 X-rays/month (4.9 vs 2.3, pre vs post; P < .001), an average monthly reduction of 53%. There was special cause variation after implementation. Cost savings was $5534.98, and environmental footprint reduction was 111.2 kg of CO₂e. There was no compensatory increase in the number of CT scans ordered.ConclusionImplementation of a clinical decision support tool and education resulted in a significant reduction in the number of nasal bone X-rays ordered for the evaluation of nasal fractures. This Choosing Wisely Canada project ultimately reduces unnecessary investigations for patients, saves health care costs, and reduces environmental impact.