Variation in head computed tomography use for emergency department trauma patients and physician risk tolerance

摘要

Physician risk intolerance and malpractice fear have been implicated as leading to defensive behaviors and increased use of health care resources.1 In the emergency department (ED), physician risk aversion has been associated with higher rates of testing and hospitalization for low-risk patients with chest pain,23 greater use of diagnostic imaging for patients with abdominal pain,4 and an increased likelihood of performing head computed tomography (CT) in scenarios involving pediatric patients with minor head injury.