Minor head trauma is one of the most frequent reasons for paediatric emergency department visits worldwide. The PECARN (Paediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network) clinical decision rule stratifies children with minor head trauma into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk categories for clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI) and provides evidence-based guidance on computed tomography (CT) ordering. Despite its high diagnostic accuracy, real-world CT utilisation frequently diverges from PECARN recommendations. Non-clinical family-level factors - including socio-cultural characteristics and health literacy - may drive part of this divergence, particularly through their influence on whether families explicitly request CT imaging.
This prospective observational cohort study will enrol 200 children with minor head trauma presenting to the emergency department of SBU Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas EAH, Bursa, Turkey. The primary aim is to determine whether family socio-cultural level (composite index incorporating education, occupation, income, and housing; scored 0-10) and health literacy (Newest Vital Sign-Turkish, NVS-TR) independently predict parental demand for CT imaging. Secondary aims include determining whether parental CT demand and family socio-cultural characteristics predict CT ordering by the treating physician, describing PECARN algorithm adherence patterns in this setting, and examining parental health-seeking behaviour at 7-day telephone follow-up.
Who can participate
Age range
17 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Age less than 18 years at time of emergency department presentation
. Presenting complaint of head trauma sustained within the preceding 24 hours
. Classified as minor head trauma at triage, defined as a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 14 or 15 at initial assessment
. Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with capacity to provide written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
. GCS score 13 or less at presentation (moderate or severe head injury)
. Transfer from another medical facility
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This study is looking at why parents request CT scans after a child's minor head injury — does my child's situation fit what they're studying, and would our participation involve my child getting any additional scans or procedures they wouldn't otherwise have?
2Since this is an observational study measuring parental requests for CT imaging rather than testing a treatment, what does that mean for my child's actual care — will their medical management be the same whether we join or not?
3The study is examining health literacy and socio-cultural factors around CT scan decisions — would participating require us to answer surveys or interviews, and how much time would that realistically take during what's already a stressful visit to the emergency department?
4Given that this trial is in the recruiting phase, can you help me understand what data has already been collected and whether there are any early findings that might be relevant to how we think about whether my child actually needs a CT scan right now?
5Are there any privacy considerations I should know about, given that this study is collecting information about our cultural background and health literacy alongside my child's medical details?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Parental Request for CT Head Imaging
Timeframe: At emergency department presentation (index visit, Day 0)
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07655310
SponsorBursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital