REDUCE – Indication catalogue based ordering of chest radiographs in intensive care units

To advance a transition towards an indication-based chest radiograph (CXR) ordering in intensive care units (ICUs) without compromising patient safety. Single-center prospective cohort study with a retrospective reference group including 857 ICU patients. The routine group (n = 415) received CXRs at the discretion of the ICU physician, the restrictive group (n = 442) if specified by an indication catalogue. Documented data include number of CXRs per day and CXR radiation dose as primary outcomes, re-intubation and re-admission rates, hours of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay. CXR numbers were reduced in the restrictive group (964 CXRs in 2479 days vs. 1281 CXRs in 2318 days) and median radiation attributed to CXR per patient was significantly lowered in the restrictive group (0.068 vs. 0.076 Gy x cm2, P = 0.003). For patients staying ≥24 h, median number of CXRs per day was significantly reduced in the restrictive group (0.41 (IQR 0.21–0.61) vs. 0.55 (IQR 0.34–0.83), P < 0.001). Survival analysis proved non-inferiority. Secondary outcome parameters were not significantly different between the groups. CXR reduction was significant even for patients in most critical conditions. A substantial reduction of the number of CXRs on ICUs was feasible and safe using an indication catalogue thereby improving resource management. Trial Registration: DRKS00015621, German Clinical Trials Register. •Chest radiographs were reduced by 29% for ICU patients using an indication-catalogue.•Restrictive CXR ordering was feasible and safe – non-inferiority in survival analyses was shown.•No significant differences for length of stay, re-admission or re-intubation rates were detected.•The use of an indication-catalogue for CXR ordering is recommended.•The study helps to improve resource management on intensive care units.