Evaluation of Prescription Appropriateness of CT Scan for Low Back Pain in Shiraz's Referral Trauma Hospital Using RAND Appropriateness Method

This study aims to identify the appropriateness of CT Scan prescriptions for Lumbar Spine using the RAND Appropriateness Method in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS).
A total of 281 patients referred to the hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were selected as sample of the study in 2016. The scenarios derived through the RAND Appropriateness Method were compared with medical records of these patients by educated physicians.
Out of 281 cases of lumbar spine MRI prescriptions, 57.7% were appropriate, 32.7 % were uncertain, and 9.6 % were considered to be appropriate. In addition, some related factors to appropriateness of prescriptions were identified.
Clinical guidelines developed using RAND Appropriateness Method can be an appropriate instrument for policy makers, health care providers, and health insurance companies in order to reduce inappropriate cares and quality improvement, especially in developing countries. It is recommended that appropriateness of prescriptions will be considered as the criteria for payment and reimbursement to prescribers. In this way, inappropriate cares may be reduced.