Multicentre prospective validation of use of the Canadian C-Spine Rule by triage nurses in the emergency department.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The Canadian C-Spine Rule for imaging of the cervical spine was developed for use by physicians. We believe that nurses in the emergency department could use this rule to clinically clear the cervical spine. We prospectively evaluated the accuracy, reliability and acceptability of the Canadian C-Spine Rule when used by nurses.

Methods

We conducted this three-year prospective cohort study in six Canadian emergency departments. The study involved adult trauma patients who were alert and whose condition was stable. We provided two hours of training to 191 triage nurses. The nurses then assessed patients using the Canadian C-Spine Rule, including determination of neck tenderness and range of motion, reapplied immobilization and completed a data form.

Results

Of

SUBMITTER: Stiell IG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2917929 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature