title: Management of incidental findings in the trauma patient: is the trauma team a primary care provider as well?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Computed tomographic scanning and tertiary surveys have resulted in an increase of incidental findings (IFs) unrelated to the trauma. The goals were to (1) characterize the frequency and nature of IFs and (2) explore their management by a trauma nurse practitioner.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective log of IFs and follow-up details was maintained by a trauma nurse practitioner. Supplemental data were obtained through hospital databases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 404 trauma patients were screened for IFs over a 6-month period, and 68% had IFs of varying severity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  IFs are frequent in trauma. Appropriate management and follow-up is a major commitment that can be well managed by a trauma nurse practitioner.
authors.affiliation: Regional Trauma Services, Alberta Health Services, Calgary Region, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. nancybiegler@gmail.com
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Biegler
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: McBeth
authors.forename: Corina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tiruta
authors.forename: Chad G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Ball
authors.forename: Andrew W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Kirkpatrick
mesh_terms: D016208:Databases, Factual / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*