The researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial in the pediatric emergency department at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. The study included a comparison of the two diagnostic methods in 191 patients under 21 years of age. The patients either received a lung ultrasound followed by a chest X-ray for additional verification (test group), or a chest X-ray followed by a lung ultrasound (control group).
All total, the research team noted a 38.8 percent reduction in chest X-rays in the investigational arm compared to no reduction in the control arm, with no missed pneumonia cases and no increase in any other adverse events. Additionally, the reduction in chest X-rays in the test group saved the hospital $9,200 and reduced the length of stay in the ED by 26 minutes.
To learn more about the innovative approach to diagnosing pneumonia, watch the video below.
More articles on pneumonia:
CMS 5-star hospitals have lower mortality and readmission rates, study finds
Higher patient experience star rating linked with better outcomes, lower readmissions
Publicizing hospital readmission rates has done little to affect patient outcomes, study finds
