Spinal Clearance Study: Expediting the Spinal Clearance Process in the Major Trauma Patient

Traumatic Brain Injury Clinical Trial

Official title: Optimisation of Patient Management Through Expediting the Spinal Clearance Process in the Major Trauma Patient

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The Alfred Hospital receives approximately 40% of the major trauma patients in Victoria, all of whom are at risk for spinal injuries. The potential for spinal injuries necessitates the undertaking of appropriate spinal investigations, and a delay in the completion of these investigations exposes the patient to the risk of a missed diagnosis of spinal instability and of complications of immobility; the potential spinal patient is required to wear a neck collar and be nursed lying flat whilst awaiting the completion and the appropriate documentation of spinal X-ray investigations.

The purpose of this study is to identify the issues causing a delay in the process of the completion of the appropriate spinal investigations and the documentation of the results.

The outcome of the proposed research will be the development of a clinical management protocol to expedite the process, with the aim of optimising patient care and reducing complications.

Clinical Trial Description

n/a

Study Design

Observational Model: Cohort

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Multiple Trauma
• Spinal Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Wounds and Injuries

• NCT number: NCT00163826
• Study type: Observational
• Source: Bayside Health
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 4
• Start date: March 2004
• Completion date: August 2006