Summaries of Independent Scientist (K) Awards

Blackmore, Christopher C.

Institution: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Grant Title: Clinical Prediction Rule for Pelvic Fracture Hemorrhage
Grant Number: K08 HS11291
Duration: 5 years (2000-2005)
Total Award: $625,100

Project Description: The purpose of this project is to develop and validate a simple instrument to determine which subjects with pelvic fracture have a high probability of major hemorrhage. The project has four main goals:

1. To determine the relationship between measured pelvic hemorrhage volume and outcome, through computerized tomography (CT) scan based measurement of pelvic hemorrhage and retrospective chart review of outcome on a cohort of 400 patients with pelvic fracture.
2. To develop the prediction rule through the evaluation of medical records and pelvic radiographs on a cohort of 1000 pelvic fracture patients from 7 trauma centers.
3. To assess the reliability of the radiographic predictors by evaluating the agreement of 12 readers on a set of 25 pelvic radiographs.
4. To conduct a multi-center prospective validation of the prediction rule involving 750 subjects at three trauma centers.

Career Goals: Dr. Blackmore's overall career goal is to examine and improve the role of radiology in optimizing efficiency in patient care at the patient and system levels. In particular, he will develop and apply clinical prediction rules and other decisionmaking tools to aid-cost effective use of emergency radiology services. The K grant will allow him to gain practical experience through the development and validation of the pelvic hemorrhage prediction rule. Dr. Blackmore will establish a network of regional trauma centers that will facilitate future investigations.

Progress to Date: Dr. Blackmore  has found many areas of his prediction instrument that will have important clinical applications. He has completed formal coursework in Categorical Data Analysis in Epidemiology and Survival Data Analysis in Epidemiology and collaborated on an independent study of epidemiology research methodology as applies to radiology.  This study has culminated in a paper "Observational Studies in Radiology," accepted for publication in the radiology journal AJR [American Journal of Radiology].

Future Plans: Dr. Blackmore will continue work on professional manuscript preparation and complete analytical portions of his research. He will continue to engage in regular meetings with his mentor and participate in his regular clinical activities.

Highlights and Specific Accomplishments:

• Member of the Core Faculty for the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center.
• Secretary/Treasurer of the Radiology Alliance for Health Services Research (formerly the Society for Health Services Research in Radiology.
• Serve on Editorial Boards for the journals AJR, American Journal of the American College of Radiology, and Academic Radiology.
• Presented at the American Roentgen Ray Association, and Association of University Radiologists.
• Gave opening address on clinical prediction rules in emergency radiology at the annual Radiological Society of North America.

K-Generated Publications:

• Blackmore CC. Critically Assessing the Radiology Literature. Academic Radiology 2004;11:134-40.
• Blackmore CC, Jurkovich GJ, Linnau KF, et al. Assessment of Volume Hemorrhage and Outcome From Pelvic Fracture. Archives of Surgery 2003;138:504-9.
• Blackmore CC, Richardson ML, Linnau KF, et al. Computers in Radiology: Web-Based Image Review and Data Acquisition for Multi-Institution Research. American Journal of Radiology 2003;180:1243-46
• Blackmore CC, Cummings P. Observational Studies in Radiology. American Journal of Radiology 2005 (in press).

AHRQ Research Portfolios: Quality and Patient Safety; Training; Care Management.
AHRQ Goals: Safety and Quality

Return to Recently Funded Career Development Award Grants
Proceed to Next Section