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By adhering to NICE guidelines, could it be possible to avoid CT scan brain in patients presenting with head injury safely?

Syed Nouman Mohsin

Aims: An audit to assess the competency of NICE guidelines in patients presenting with head injury and if guidelines are followed is it possible to safely avoid doing unnecessary CT scan? Materials and Methods: Retrospective audit of all patients attending the hospital’s emergency department over a time period of one year with the head injury. Case notes and electronic needs were reviewed to determine whether the CT scan brain was indicated in line with the NICE guidelines. Results: Of 1187 CT scan brain request, 340 were for the head injury. 324 (95.3%) were reported as normal. 124(36.47%) were done as per criteria set by NICE for head injury and 216 (63.53%) were done against it. Conclusion: NICE guidelines are deemed competent in the management of head injury and can be safely followed. The A&E department can see a significant decrease in the number of CT scan brain request by following them.