Recovery of outpatient imaging utilization during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectiveDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Radiology practices experienced marked reductions in outpatient imaging volumes. Our purpose was to evaluate the timing, rate, and degree of recovery of outpatient imaging during the first wave of the pandemic. We also sought to ascertain the relationship of outpatient imaging recovery to the incidence of COVID-19 cases.MethodsRetrospective study of outpatient imaging volumes in a large healthcare system was performed from January 1, 2019-August 25, 2020. Dataset was split to compare Pre-COVID (weeks 1–9), Peak-COVID (weeks 10–15) and Recovery-COVID (weeks 16–34) periods. Chi-square and Independent-samples t-tests compared weekly outpatient imaging volumes in 2020 and 2019. Regression analyses assessed the rate of decline and recovery in Peak-COVID and Recovery-COVID periods, respectively.ResultsTotal outpatient imaging volume in 2020 (weeks 1–34) was 327,738 exams, compared to 440,314 in 2019. The 2020 mean weekly imaging volumes were significantly decreased in Peak-COVID (p = 0.0148) and Recovery-COVID (p = 0.0003) periods. Mean weekly decline rate was −2580 exams/week and recovery rate was +617 exams/week. The 2020 Post-COVID (weeks 10–34) period had an average decrease of 36.5% (4813.4/13,178.6) imaging exams/week and total estimated decrease of 120,335 exams. Significant inverse correlation (−0.8338, p < 0.0001) was seen between positive-tested COVID-19 cases and imaging utilization with 1-week lag during Post-COVID (weeks 10–34) period.ConclusionRecovery of outpatient imaging volume during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic showed a gradual return to pre-pandemic levels over the course of 3–4 months. The rate of imaging utilization was inversely associated with new positive-tested COVID-19 cases with a 1-week lag.     

Supporting radiography clinical placements in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic: The practice educators perspective

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare services and the clinical learning environment. Several studies have investigated radiography students' experiences of clinical placement during the pandemic; however, few have investigated the Clinical Practice Educator's (CPEs) perspective. CPEs play a pivotal role in supporting clinical education.MethodA qualitative study was conducted using a purposeful sample of twenty-two CPEs, each working in a different Irish hospital. Four semi-structured focus groups were used to gather data. To maintain reasonable homogeneity, CPEs who were new to the role (n = 8) were assigned a separate focus group from experienced CPEs (n = 14). Inductive thematic analysis was applied.ResultsCPEs experienced role expansion, particularly in managerial and administrative aspects of the role. They described arranging COVID-19 vaccinations locally for radiography students and the complexities of student rostering during the pandemic. CPEs perceived the pandemic to have impacted students' emotional wellbeing with ‘high anxiety levels’ and ‘loneliness’ being reported. They also perceived issues with clinical readiness and the student transition to clinical practice. Many challenges were faced by CPEs including arranging clinical recovery time for numerous students when sites were already at full capacity, fewer learning opportunities due to decreased patient throughput and range of imaging examinations, social distancing constraints, resistance from staff to student placements, and a shortage of staff for student supervision. Flexibility, communication, and multi-level support helped CPEs to fulfil their role.ConclusionThe results provide insight into how CPEs supported radiography clinical placements during the pandemic and into the challenges faced by CPEs in their role. CPEs supported student placement through multi-level communication, teamwork, flexibility, and student advocacy.Implications for practiceThis will aid understanding of the support mechanisms needed by CPEs to provide quality clinical placements.     

Barriers to physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults: a cross-sectional study

Sport Sciences for Health - Social isolation due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has reduced physical activity levels in both men and women. The identification of barriers to...     

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on radiographers in the Republic of Cyprus. A questionnaire survey

IntroductionImaging is essential for the initial diagnosis and monitoring of the novel coronavirus, which emerged in Wuhan, China. This study aims to assess the insight of radiographers on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their work routine and if protective measures are applied.MethodA prospective observational study was conducted among radiographers registered in the Cyprus Society of Registered Radiologic Technologists & Radiation Therapy Technologists. A questionnaire composed of 28 multiple choice questions was utilised, and the data analysis was performed using SPSS software with the statistical significance assumed as p-value < 0.05.ResultsOut of 350 registered radiographers, 101 responses were received. The results showed that there are statistically significant differences regarding the working hours, the feeling of stress, the work effectiveness, the average examination time, the presence of a protocol used among the different workplaces of the participants; a private radiology centre, a private hospital or a public hospital, with a p-value 0.0022, 0.015, 0.027, 0.001, 0.0001 respectively. Also, statistically significant differences were observed in the decontamination methods used for equipment (p-value 0.007), for air (p-value 0.04) and when decontamination takes place (p-value 0.00032) among the different workplaces of the participants. Nonetheless, the majority of radiographers believe that their workplace is sufficiently provided with PPE, cleaning supplies, equipment, and with cleaning personnel and are optimistic regarding the adequacy of these provisions in the next three months.ConclusionThis study showed that in the Republic of Cyprus, there are protocols regarding protective measures against COVID-19, and the radiographers are adequately trained on how to face an infectious disease outbreak. However, work is needed in order to develop protocols that reassure the safety of patients and medical personnel while managing the excess workload effectively.Implications for practiceThis study indicates the importance of applying protective measures and protocols in the radiology departments in order to minimise the spread of the virus.     

Moderate to vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior changes in self-isolating adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: a cross-sectional survey exploring correlates

Sport Sciences for Health - The COVID-19 pandemic imposed major changes on daily-life routine worldwide. To the best of our knowledge, no study quantified the changes on moderate to vigorous...     

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in nuclear medicine departments: preliminary report of the first international survey

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging - Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic is challenging the availability of hospital resources worldwide. The Young Group of the...     

Knowledge,attitude, and practice of forensic practitioners during COVID-19 pandemic in Arab countries

COVID-19 pandemic burdens forensic practice worldwide. The experience of crisis management is a lesson learned that guides future preparedness for similar casualties. Thus, the present study takes an in-depth look at the knowledge, attitude, and practice of forensic practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Arab world. A comprehensive questionnaire was adopted in compliance with optimum international standards for the management of deaths during the pandemic. The survey was electronically distributed in 13 Arab countries. The responses were received from 29 forensic practitioners from 11 countries. Total median knowledge, attitude, and practice scores of respondents constituted 37.9%, 74%, and 36.8% of optimum scores respectively. Regarding knowledge, better scores are related to risk assessment and routes of exposure to Coronavirus, whereas, least scores were related to ventilation and negative pressure system. Most of the participants had a positive attitude, 85.2% were concerned about proper management of COVID-19 deaths, and 77.8% trusted the decisions of their teams. Considering practice, better scores are related to forensic staff competence, whereas, least scores were related to the implementation of ideal safety measures. Participants described the management process as useful (52%), reliable (35%), high quality (21%), and cost-effective (17%), however, they expressed challenges as staff infection, limited resources, and infrastructure issues. This survey guides readjusting of procedures and future preparedness for similar disasters in the Arab world. This research adopted a questionnaire that could be used in initial and periodic assessments in any medicolegal institute worldwide. Also, it could support infrastructure projects and disaster management plans.     

Patients characteristics related to screening mammography cancellation and rescheduling rates during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeTo identify patient characteristics associated with screening mammography cancellations and rescheduling during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsScheduled screening mammograms during three time periods were retrospectively reviewed: state-mandated shutdown (3/17/2020-6/16/2020) during which screening mammography was cancelled, a period of 2 months immediately after screening mammography resumed (6/17/2020-8/16/2020), and a representative period prior to COVID-19 (6/17/2019-8/16/2019). Relative risk of cancellation before COVID-19 and after reopening was compared for age, race/ethnicity, insurance, history of chronic disease, and exam location, controlling for other collected variables. Risk of failure to reschedule was similarly compared between all 3 time periods.ResultsOverall cancellation rate after reopening was higher than before shutdown (7663/16595, 46% vs 5807/15792, 37%; p < 0.001). Relative risk of cancellation after reopening increased with age (1.20 vs 1.27 vs 1.36 for ages at 25th, 50th, and 75th quartile or 53, 61, and 70 years, respectively, p < 0.001). Relative risk of cancellation was also higher among Medicare patients (1.41) compared to Medicaid and those with other providers (1.26 and 1.21, respectively, p < 0.001) and non-whites compared to whites (1.34 vs 1.25, p = 0.03). Rescheduling rate during shutdown was higher than before COVID-19 and after reopening for all patients (10,658/13593, 78%, 3569/5807, 61%, and 4243/7663, respectively, 55%, p < 0.001). Relative risk of failure to reschedule missed mammogram was higher in hospitals compared to outpatient settings both during shutdown and after reopening (0.62 vs 0.54, p = 0.005 and 1.29 vs 1.03, p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionMinority race/ethnicity, Medicare insurance, and advanced age were associated with increased risk of screening mammogram cancellation during COVID-19.     

A survey of current practice in out of hours percutaneous nephrostomy insertion in the United Kingdom

AIM: To establish the current out of hours service provided in the United Kingdom for nephrostomy insertion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the Royal College of Radiologists' (RCR) database a questionnaire was sent to all the current clinical directors. RESULTS: Questionnaires were sent to 246 hospitals, with replies received from 178 (72.3%). The number of consultants doing nephrostomies as part of their routine work was 476; this increased to 625 including those who perform nephrostomies out of hours. Therefore 24% of consultants only perform nephrostomies out of hours. For the times when there was no formal out of hours nephrostomy service, the arrangements varied and included calling a consultant who was not on call (52%), or transferring the patient (37%). Only 19 hospitals (11%) had a separate interventional on call rota, the majority of these being teaching hospitals (68%). The availability of assistance was limited, with nursing staff available only 43% of the time. In institutions with specialist registrars, the registrars were involved with the nephrostomies 75% of the time. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide variation in the out of hours service provided by radiology departments for nephrostomy insertion. A large percentage of out of hours nephrostomies are done by consultants who do not perform do the procedure as part of their routine clinical practice, which is contrary to the advice of the Royal College of Radiologists for out of hours working. In addition the provision of nursing assistance for the procedure is inadequate.     

Increased production of illegal alcoholic beverages during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hamadan,Iran

Forensic Toxicology -