Optimizing Advanced Imaging of the Pediatric Patient in the Emergency Department: Technical Report
Jennifer R. Marín, Todd W. Lyons, Ilene Claudius, Mary E. Fallat, Michael Aquino, Timothy Ruttan, Reza Daugherty, Gregory P. Conners, Sylvia Owusu‐Ansah, Kerry Caperell, Jennifer A. Hoffmann, Benson Hsu, Deborah Hsu, Jennifer E. McCain, Mohsen Saidinejad, Muhammad Waseem, Sue Tellez, Hansel J. Otero, Patricia T. Acharya, Adina Alazraki, Ellen Benya, Brandon P. Brown, Laura Laskosz, Christopher S. Amato, Alexandria G. Georgadarellis, Ann Dietrich, Annalise Sorrentino, Ashley A. Foster, Carmen Sulton, Cindy Chang, Daniel Slubowski, Dina Wallin, Donna Mendez, Emily Rose, Erika Bishop Crawford, Genevieve Santillanes, George Hsu, Gwendolyn C. Hooley, Isabel A. Barata, James L. Homme, Jeffrey M. Goodloe, Jessica Wall, Jonathan H. Valente, Joshua Easter, Joyce Li, Kathleen M. Brown, Kathleen T. Berg, Kiyetta Alade, Lauren Rice, Madeline Joseph, Marc Auerbach, Marianne Gausche‐Hill, Melanie Heniff, Michael J. Stoner, Michael Gerardi, Mohsen Saidinejad, Moon O. Lee, Muhammad Waseem, Paul Ishimine, Samuel H. F. Lam, Sean M. Fox, Shyam M. Sivasankar, Simone L. Lawson, Siraj Amanullah, Sophia Lin, Stephen M. Sandelich, Tabitha Cheng, Theresa A. Walls, Zachary Burroughs, Sam Shahid
Abstract
Advanced diagnostic imaging modalities, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, are key components in the evaluation and management of pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department. Advances in imaging technology have led to the availability of faster and more accurate tools to improve patient care. Notwithstanding these advances, it is important for physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to understand the risks and limitations associated with advanced imaging in children and to limit imaging studies that are considered low value, when possible. This technical report provides a summary of imaging strategies for specific conditions where advanced imaging is commonly considered in the emergency department. As an accompaniment to the policy statement, this document provides resources and strategies to optimize advanced imaging, including clinical decision support mechanisms, teleradiology, shared decision-making, and rationale for deferred imaging for patients who will be transferred for definitive care.