Table 1PICO characteristics of review question

PopulationAdults and young people (16 years and over) with a suspected or confirmed AME in any part of hospital.
Intervention

24 hour access to diagnostic radiology.

Strata:

  • CT
  • MRI
  • Ultrasound
  • Nuclear medicine.

ComparisonsReduced access to diagnostic radiology as defined by:
  • 7-day working (9am – 5pm)
  • 7-day extended working
  • 5-day working
  • 6-day working.
Outcomes
  • Mortality (CRITICAL)
  • Avoidable adverse events (CRITICAL)
  • Quality of life (CRITICAL)
  • Patient and/or carer satisfaction (CRITICAL)
  • Length of stay (CRITICAL)
  • Time to definitive diagnosis (IMPORTANT)
  • Diagnostic turn around for result to healthcare professional (how long before get result) (IMPORTANT)
  • Staff satisfaction (IMPORTANT)
  • Representation (IMPORTANT)
Exclusion
  • Not evaluating technology – service only
  • Interventional Radiology
  • Major Trauma Centres
Study designSystematic reviews (SRs) of RCTs, RCTs, observational studies only to be included if no relevant SRs or RCTs are identified.

From: Chapter 22, 7-day diagnostic radiology

Cover of Emergency and acute medical care in over 16s: service delivery and organisation
Emergency and acute medical care in over 16s: service delivery and organisation.
NICE Guideline, No. 94.
National Guideline Centre (UK).
Copyright © NICE 2018.

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