Keywords:
Emergency, Head and neck, Neuroradiology brain, CT, Audit and standards, Health policy and practice, Dementia, Geriatrics, Outcomes
Authors:
M. Weilbach, J. Tan, S. Ward, R. Fuller, E. Leong, S. O'Dempsey
DOI:
10.26044/ranzcr2022/R-0132
Purpose
To date, there has been a paucity of research regarding the utility of brain imaging in falls occurring specifically among age care facility patients. Several studies have shown low intervention rates from brain imaging post falls [1,2]. Current local guidelines necessitate brain imaging in the presence of any known coagulopathy, suspected head injury, recent surgery, fall from greater than 1 metre in height and if the patient were regularly taking any anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy [3]. We sought to:
- Investigate the rate of inpatient falls in interim care and the impact of head CT imaging on the management of the patients.
- Examine the factors that lead to acute intracranial bleeds in inpatient falls.
- Examine the clinical characteristic that led to ED transfer for further management.