Posters for accident departments: simple method of sustaining reduction in x ray examinations.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether a simple strategy would sustain a reduction in the number of unnecessary x ray examinations.


METHODS
Use of posters to display guidelines encouraging the more effective use of radiology in patients with head injuries, twisted ankles, neck injuries, and abdominal pain.


METHODS
Accident department of a large metropolitan district general hospital.


METHODS
15,875 patients attending the accident department over two years.


METHODS
Proportion of patients having radiography.


RESULTS
Referrals for skull radiography fell from 56% to 20% and those for abdominal radiography fell from 31% to 7%. Referral patterns for adults attending with twisted ankles and cervical spine injuries did not change. Reductions were sustained over two years.


CONCLUSIONS
Carefully designed posters provide a simple method of reducing unnecessary x ray examinations.
McNally
E
E
Department of Radiology, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex.
de Lacey
G
G
Lovell
P
P
Welch
T
T
D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D009633:Nonverbal Communication; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011859:Radiography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006113:United Kingdom