Rapid Access to CT to Streamline Emergency Care

Since 2011, radiologists at Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) and Victoria General Hospital (VGH) have piloted a Rapid CT (CT = Computed tomography) program to provide same-day CT scans for patients referred directly by participating community physicians, with the intent of avoiding unnecessary ED (Emergency Department) visits. This research will test the hypothesis that the Rapid CT pilot project has reduced costs by reducing ED visits. This research was commissioned by the BC Radiological Society because it is directly relevant to their interest in understanding and advocating the efficient and cost-effective use of medical imaging in BC. The results will also be relevant to the rest of Canada.

Faculty Supervisor:

Rebecca Warburton

Student:

Sean Brown

Partner:

British Columbia Radiological Society

Discipline:

Public administration

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

University of Victoria