ABSTRACT
Background: Radiological findings play a critical role in emergency medicine, aiding clinicians in the rapid diagnosis and management of various acute conditions. However, the extent to which these findings influence clinical decision-making has been a subject of ongoing investigation.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of radiological findings on clinical decision-making processes in the emergency department (ED).
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from February 2023 to February 2024, involving a study population of 90 patients who presented to the ED and underwent radiological imaging. Data were collected from medical records, focusing on the correlation between radiological findings and subsequent clinical decisions, including diagnostic, therapeutic, and disposition-related actions. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the significance of radiological findings on these clinical decisions.
Results: The study population comprised 90 patients with a mean age of 47 years (SD ± 18.2). Radiological findings significantly influenced clinical decision-making in 75% of the cases (p < 0.05). Specifically, diagnostic accuracy improved by 30%, therapeutic interventions were altered in 45% of cases, and patient disposition (e.g., admission, discharge, transfer) was directly affected in 50% of the instances. Additionally, the integration of radiological findings led to a reduction in diagnostic uncertainty and expedited decision-making processes.
Conclusion: Radiological findings had a substantial impact on clinical decision-making in the emergency department. These findings underscore the importance of radiological imaging in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, guiding therapeutic interventions, and informing patient disposition. Further studies are warranted to explore the integration of advanced imaging technologies and their potential benefits in emergency medicine.
Keywords: Radiological findings, clinical decision-making, emergency medicine, diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic intervention, patient disposition, emergency department.