Demonstrating the use of population level data to investigate trends in the rate, radiation dose and cost of Computed Tomography across clinical groups: Are there any areas of concern?

Introduction: Increases in computed tomography (CT) use may not always reflect clinical need or improve outcomes. This study aimed to demonstrate how population level data can be used to identify variations in care between patient groups, by analysing system-level changes in CT use around the diagnosis of new conditions.

Methods: Retrospective repeated cross-sectional observational study using West Australian linked administrative records, including 504,723 adults diagnosed with different conditions in 2006, 2012 and 2015.

Use of CT, ED presentation and hospitalisations 12 months before and after a diagnosis of cancer in Western Australia: a population-based retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To examine the use of CT, emergency department (ED)-presentation and hospitalisation and in 12 months before and after a diagnosis of cancer.

Design: Population-based retrospective cohort study.

Setting: West Australian linked administrative records at individual level.

Patterns of computed tomography utilisation in injury management: latent classes approach using linked administrative data in Western Australia.

Purpose: Whilst computed tomography (CT) imaging has been a vital component of injury management, its increasing use has raised concern regarding ionising radiation exposure. This study aims to identify latent classes (underlying patterns) of CT use over a 3-year period following the incidence of injury and factors predicting the observed patterns.

Method: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted in 21,544 individuals aged 18 + years presenting to emergency departments (ED) of four tertiary public hospitals with new injury in Western Australia.

Trend in CT utilisation and its impact on length of stay, readmission and hospital mortality in Western Australia tertiary hospitals: an analysis of linked administrative data 2003-2015.

Objective: High use of CT scanning has raised concern due to the potential ionising radiation exposure. This study examined trends of CT during admission to tertiary hospitals and its associations with length of stay (LOS), readmission and mortality.

Design: Retrospective observational study from 2003 to 2015.

Initial evaluation of a brief pharmacy-led intervention to modify beliefs about medicines and facilitate adherence among patients hospitalised with acute coronary syndrome.

Objectives: Medication non-adherence is common among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. To date, pharmacists have been underutilised in the delivery of adherence interventions. Across two studies, we assessed the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of a novel pharmacy-led intervention for patients hospitalised with ACS.