Abstract
We hypothesize that EPs can decrease the time to disposition when performing examinations
for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) compared with disposition times using imaging specialists
(IS). We performed a prospective, single-blind observational study at an academic
ED over the course of 1 year. Patients were enrolled based on study physician availability.
EPs ordered the corroborative ultrasound, then performed their own examination. EPs
recorded patient triage time, ED results, and disposition times for both EP and IS
departments. One hundred fifty-six patients were enrolled. Thirty-four (22%) were
diagnosed with a DVT. Mean time from triage to EP disposition was 95 minutes and mean
time from triage to radiology disposition was 220 minutes. The difference of 125 minutes
was statistically significant (P <.0001). EPs and ISs had excellent agreement (kappa = 0.9). Compression ultrasound
performed by EPs resulted in a significant decreased time to disposition. Agreement
with ISs was excellent.
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Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
May 6,
2003
Received:
March 24,
2003
Identification
Copyright
© 2004 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
