Key result
Approximately 45% of the 367 troponin tests ordered in the emergency department were deemed inappropriate, resulting in an estimated direct monthly cost of 49,800 Saudi Riyals.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to assess the appropriateness of troponin testing in an emergency department at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia.
What is the rate of inappropriate troponin testing in the emergency department?
Cross-Sectional (n=233)
No
What is the rate of inappropriate troponin testing in the emergency department?
Nearly half of troponin tests ordered in the emergency department were inappropriate, highlighting a significant financial burden and the need for institutional clinical guidelines.
May warrant review of ED troponin ordering to curb waste; leaves open effects of targeted interventions.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the appropriateness of troponin testing in the Emergency Department (ED) at King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This record-based cross-sectional study examined the electronic records of adult patients who underwent a troponin test following admission to hospital's ED from January to March 2020. RESULTS: A total of 367 troponin tests were ordered for 233 patients. Majority of these orders were appropriate (55%) while the remaining (45%) were adjudged as inappropriate. Among the inappropriate orders, majority were single (61%) compared to serial ones (39%). Overall, there were 166 inappropriate orders and the estimated direct monthly cost for inappropriate testing was 49,800 Saudi Riyals in the emergency department alone. CONCLUSION: Approximately half of the troponin tests ordered in the ED were inappropriate. The overall financial burden of inappropriate testing greatly impacts patient management and resource utilization. These findings emphasize the pressing need for institutional clinical guidelines to guide appropriate use of troponin testing.
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Alrusaiyes et al. (2022) conducted a cross-sectional in Emergency department patients undergoing troponin testing (n=233). Troponin testing was evaluated on Appropriateness of troponin testing orders. Approximately 45% of the 367 troponin tests ordered in the emergency department were deemed inappropriate, resulting in an estimated direct monthly cost of 49,800 Saudi Riyals.
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