The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical radiography practice: A systematic literature review and recommendations for future services planning |
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| Institution: | 1. Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation (IMIV), Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK;2. Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Ghana;3. Department of Medical Diagnostic Imaging, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates;4. Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA;5. Department of Allied Health Professions, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, UK;6. Department of Radiography, School of Biomedical & Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana;7. Department of Imaging Technology & Sonography, University of Cape Coast, Ghana;8. Radiotherapy Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, UK;9. Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia |
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| Abstract: | IntroductionWorldwide, reports and experiences indicate that there has been extensive re-organisation within diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy departments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was necessary due to changes in workload and working practice guidelines that have evolved during the pandemic. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on radiography practice, service delivery and workforce wellbeing.MethodsA systematic review methodology was adopted to obtain data from primary studies of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods designs from databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature CINAHL], and SCOPUS: all 2020 to present). The included articles were subjected to information extraction and results-based convergent synthesis.ResultsThe electronic database search yielded 10,420 articles after removal of duplicates. Of these, 31 articles met the final inclusion criteria with some (n = 8) fully focussed on radiotherapy workforce and service delivery. The pandemic impact on radiography practice is broadly themed around: training, communication, and information dissemination; infrastructure, technology, and clinical workflow; and workforce mental health and well-being.ConclusionGlobally, most radiographers received inadequate training for managing COVID-19 patients during the initial acute phase of the pandemic. Additionally, there were significant changes to clinical practice, working patterns and perceived increase in workload due to surges in COVID-19 patients and the consequent strict adherence to new infection protocols. These changes, coupled with fear emanating from the increased risk of the workforce to contracting the infection, contributed to anxiety and workplace-related stress during the pandemic.Implications for practiceLocal pandemic response strategies must be appropriately developed from standard protocols in readiness for safe clinical practice and well-being management training of practitioners. |
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| Keywords: | Radiography Radiotherapy COVID-19 Personal-protective equipment Workplace-related stress Well-being |
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