Publications by authors named "Michele Dunstan"
Background: We hypothesize that in pediatric trauma patients, CT scans after normal chest x-rays do not add information that alters clinical decision making.
Methods: A retrospective review of trauma patients < 15 years with chest imaging evaluated at a pediatric trauma center between 1/2013 and 6/2019 was performed. Imaging was reviewed for significant findings that could affect care.
Article Synopsis
- Traumatic brain injury is a major cause of health issues and death in children in the U.S., prompting a study to create guidelines for safer imaging practices.
- A review of trauma patients aged 0-14 revealed that implementing new guidelines significantly reduced unnecessary repeat head CT scans from 34.5% to 6.3%.
- The guidelines aim to limit radiation exposure while still effectively identifying injuries, balancing the need for imaging with the risks associated with radiation.
Article Synopsis
- A quality improvement initiative was conducted to standardize child abuse evaluations in a hospital, which included developing a screening tool and educational programs to raise awareness.
- The initial screening compliance rate for trauma patients under 15 years old was 56%, but after implementing the program throughout the hospital, compliance increased to 96%, with a rise in child protection team consultations from 2 to 10 a month.
- The initiative demonstrated that using a standardized screening tool, ongoing education, and support from a child protection team significantly improved child abuse screening and reporting outcomes.
Escherichia coli is a bacterium that is an important part of the intestinal tract; however, it has the potential to become pathogenic. Shiga toxin-producing E coli (STEC) is a leading cause of E coli infections and has led to outbreaks in North America. Transmission is through ingestion of contaminated food sources, and via infected humans and animals.
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