Advocating for an Ultrasound-First Approach to Renal Colic in the Emergency Department

There are conflicting opinions and evidence regarding the optimal imaging choice in patients with suspected renal colic and has been debated for many years. In recent years there has been an urge in the literature to use an ultrasound-first approach to minimize CT radiation in patients presenting with renal colic. This study aimed to investigate the degree of consensus between providers for their diagnostic approach; identify perceived barriers to implementation of an ultrasound (US) first approach, and to create and implement a clinical guideline that endorses ultrasound first approach. After a retrospective study and physician survey, a multidisciplinary team including urologists, radiologists, and ED physicians created a clinical algorithm advocating for an ultrasound-first approach to patients with suspected renal colic. The results of the second chart review after the implementation of the clinical algorithm will be presented.