@article{ref1,
title="Using a new evidence-based trauma protocol to improve detection and reduce costs in patients with blunt cardiac injury",
journal="Journal of trauma nursing",
year="2015",
author="Genrich, Ilean and OʼMara, Susan K. and Sulo, Suela",
volume="22",
number="1",
pages="28-34",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: Management of blunt cardiac injury is often discussed in trauma literature due to the lack of a &quot;gold standard&quot; for early identification and cost-effective care. The effectiveness of an evidence-based trauma protocol was assessed by comparing patients treated with the new protocol to those managed with prior practice. <br><br>METHODS: The data of 80 patients prospectively managed using the new trauma protocol were compared with the medical records of 80 former patients treated according to existing practice. <br><br>RESULTS: Implementing the new protocol improved detection of abnormal troponin I levels and resulted in cost savings. The length of time inpatients required continuous electrocardiographic monitoring decreased by 4.23 days and echocardiography use dropped by 70%. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Implementation of the evidence-based trauma protocol at our facility improved the early identification of patients with blunt cardiac injury and reduced the number of laboratory and diagnostic tests.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1078-7496",
doi="10.1097/JTN.0000000000000096",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JTN.0000000000000096"
}