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Ultrasound evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma: program implementation, initial experience, and learning curve
B Thomas1, R E Falcone, D Vasquez
1Grant Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
The Journal of Trauma
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Implementing a trauma ultrasound program for blunt abdominal trauma is feasible. Surgeon training and credentialing proved sufficient for accurate diagnosis, with significant cost savings observed.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Surgical Ultrasound
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Sonographic screening for blunt abdominal trauma is increasingly adopted.
- Standardized protocols for implementation, training, and credentialing are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the de novo establishment of a trauma ultrasound program.
- To assess the efficacy of surgeon training and credentialing for diagnosing blunt abdominal trauma.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 300 patients over 4 months at a Level I trauma service.
- Surgeons completed an 8-hour trauma ultrasound course.
- Ultrasound examinations were followed by standard diagnostic evaluations.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound examination took less than 3 minutes.
- Sensitivity was 81.0%, specificity 99.3%, and accuracy 98.0%.
- Annual cost savings exceeded $100,000.
Conclusions:
- The implemented training and credentialing were adequate for surgeon competence in trauma ultrasound.
- This approach provides acceptable diagnostic accuracy for blunt abdominal trauma.