The American journal of emergency medicine
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We conducted an explanatory, sequential mixed-methods study to measure variation in the use of imaging and physical therapy (PT) for acute low back pain (LBP) and to identify implementation determinants that might explain variation in use across 22 EDs and 27 urgent cares in urban and rural locations within a community-based health system. ⋯ Guideline concordance for use of imaging and PT varied substantially across physicians and advance practice providers providing care at EDs and UC centers within a community-based health system. Implementation strategies that address barriers identified by this study, including varied understanding of the PT discipline, complex workflows for placing PT referrals, the medico-legal assurance that imaging provides, and the lack of feedback loops in ED and UC centers should be tested in future hybrid implementation-effectiveness trials to increase concordance to LBP guidelines and minimize harm related to overuse of imaging and underuse of conservative first-line treatment approaches.
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Most injured children are initially seen at non-pediatric hospitals, then transferred to a pediatric trauma center for definitive care. Published outcomes of transferred children with blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) are sparse. Our objective is to describe this population and their disposition at a pediatric trauma center. ⋯ Compared to those with positive CTa/p at OSF, children who had positive CTa/p at PTC were younger, had higher ISS scores, and longer LOS, suggesting they were more seriously injured. Children with BAT and negative CTa/p in absence of other injuries, may not require transfer to a PTC. Enhanced understanding of these patients may reduce unnecessary transfers, improving resource utilization.