New study tests if simple guidelines can cut unnecessary ER scans
NCT ID NCT01785368
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether giving emergency room doctors referral guidelines helps them order more relevant imaging exams. Over 8,500 patients were observed before and after the guidelines were introduced. The goal was to see if the rate of confirmed diagnoses improved, meaning fewer unnecessary tests and less delay.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to better use of imaging in emergency rooms, reducing unnecessary scans and wait times.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a test of a new treatment. Results may not apply to other hospitals or settings.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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8,549 people
The number who actually took part.
- Start date
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Oct 2013
- Finished
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Jun 2014
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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Children (under 18), adults (18 to 64) and older adults (65 and over)
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * The patient (or his/her guardian/parent/person-of-trust) was correctly informed about the study * A participating ER doctor has requested an imaging exam for the patient during one of the trial observation periods (ie the "before" period or the "after" period). Exclusion Criteria: * The patient is under judicial protection * The patient (or his/her guardian/parent/person-of-trust) refuses to participate in the study
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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CHU de Nîmes - Hôpital Universitaire Carémeau
Nîmes, 30029, France
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