When should we image our patients? Appropriate use of imaging in inpatient psychiatry

Abstract

Injudicious use of medical imaging may be associated with harm to patients and increased downstream healthcare costs. Guidance on the use of imaging in common psychiatric inpatient scenarios is inconsistent or absent. This paper explores three common clinical scenarios facing adult psychiatrists and provides guidance about the appropriate use of imaging. Psychiatrists and their junior colleagues would benefit from considering both pre- and post-test probability in each presentation.