Christopher Chen

Mrs. Bagley
Intern/Mentor G/T
12 January 2017
Project Proposal
Overexposure to electromagnetic radiation from CT scans can cause a multitude of
harmful complications, usually in the form of acute radiation syndrome. Even one too many
scans can wreck a life. This problem is especially prevalent in pediatric emergency patients, who
are affected by minor traumatic brain injuries, commonly known as concussions. The majority of
these patients are automatically given a CT scan, regardless of the severity of their condition.
Some patients may just have an insignificant head injury that, as with most concussions, will
heal on their own. This leads to unnecessary CT scans, and overexposure to radiation. Recently
developed, clinical decision rules, such as the PECARN head injury rules, help to thoroughly
evaluate a patient’s condition and history in order to determine if a CT scan is necessary. Thus,
these rules have helped to lower the number of unnecessary CT scans. My project will consist of
giving a presentation, in April, to the pediatric emergency room staff about implementing the
PECARN clinical decision rules. My knowledge is gained from primary and secondary source
analysis, which are usually studies on the PECARN rules. I will be able to share my research on
clinically important and minor traumatic brain injuries and CT scans, and describe how the
PECARN rules can be feasibly implemented in the pediatric emergency room. The pediatric
emergency room staff, which consists of doctors and nurses, are my intended audience, who will
hopefully utilise these rules as part of their examination and testing routines, making a positive
impact on their patients. For my project, I will have to evaluate presentation methods, such as the
use of a projector, or a simple poster, all of which should be affordable. I will need to coordinate
the pediatric emergency room staff in order to arrange for a convenient time to present, such as
when there are less patients. This is a shared project as I will be collaborating with my fellow
intern. My overall goal for this presentation is to use direct interaction to persuade the pediatric
emergency room staff to implement the PECARN rules, highlight the simplicity and efficiency
of the rules, and emphasize the need for a reduction in the number of unnecessary CT scans
which will lower overexposure to radiation.

Timeline
 In January, I plan to formulate my ideas and survey presentation methods. In February, I
plan to create and practice my presentation with my fellow intern. In March, I plan to start asking
my mentor and the rest of the pediatric emergency room staff for a convenient time to hold my
presentation. I will also organize the logistics of the presentation. I will keep practicing and
refining my presentation. In April, I plan to present with my fellow intern to the pediatric
emergency room staff. On May 1, I will present at the Celebration of Excellence at Centennial
High School.