Does a chest x-ray alter the management of new patients attending a geriatric day hospital?
OBJECTIVE
Studies have suggested that routine chest x-ray is never indicated but all new attenders at our day hospitals have a chest x-ray carried out. Our aim was to determine if this investigation altered the clinical management of patients and to try to select those patients in whom a chest x-ray is indicated.


METHODS
A prospective study was carried out over a 7 month period from February to September 1995. All new patients had cardiorespiratory symptoms/signs documented and a management plan made. A chest x-ray was then carried out and change in management as a result of the x-ray report noted.


METHODS
Knightswood and Drumchapel Geriatric Day Hospitals, West Glasgow University NHS Trust.


METHODS
All new Day Hospital attenders.


RESULTS
Of 207 new Day Hospital attenders, 53 had no clinical indication for a chest x-ray and although 70% had an abnormal film in no case was patient management changed as a result of this. A chest x-ray was indicated in 154 patients and of these 114 (74%) had an abnormal film with a resultant change in management in 23 patients (this comprised either a change in drug treatment or a further investigation.) Of those whose management was changed as a result of the x-ray report 61% had respiratory symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
We would recommend that chest x-ray should be performed in those patients who have a clear clinical indication and that the diagnostic yield is highest in the presence of respiratory symptoms or signs.
Logan
J A
JA
Department of Geriatric Medicine, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow.
Vallance
R
R
Williams
B O
BO
Paul
H
H
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003631:Day Care, Medical; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission; D018579:Patient Selection; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results