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COVID-19 in the radiology department: What radiographers need to know.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES:The aim is to review current literature related to the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of suspected and confirmed Covid-19 cases. KEY FINDINGS:Medical Imaging plays an important auxiliary role in the diagnosis of Covid-19 patients, mainly those most seriously affected. Practice differs widely among different countries, mainly due to the variability of access to resources (viral testing and imaging equipment, specialised staff, protective equipment). It has been now well-documented that chest radiographs should be the first-line imaging tool and chest CT should only be reserved for critically ill patients, or when chest radiograph and clinical presentation may be inconclusive. CONCLUSION:As radiographers work on the frontline, they should be aware of the potential risks associated with Covid-19 and engage in optimal strategies to reduce these. Their role in vetting, conducting and often reporting the imaging examinations is vital, as well as their contribution in patient safety and care. Medical Imaging should be limited to critically ill patients, and where it may have an impact on the patient management plan. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:At the time of publication, this review offers the most up-to-date recommendations for clinical practitioners in radiology departments, including radiographers. Radiography practice has to significantly adjust to these new requirements to support optimal and safe imaging practices for the diagnosis of Covid-19. The adoption of low dose CT, rigorous infection control protocols and optimal use of personal protective equipment may reduce the potential risks of radiation exposure and infection, respectively, within Radiology departments.

SUBMITTER: Stogiannos N

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7269964 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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COVID-19 in the radiology department: What radiographers need to know.

Stogiannos N N Fotopoulos D D Woznitza N N Malamateniou C C

Radiography (London, England : 1995) 20200604 3

<h4>Objectives</h4>The aim is to review current literature related to the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of suspected and confirmed Covid-19 cases.<h4>Key findings</h4>Medical Imaging plays an important auxiliary role in the diagnosis of Covid-19 patients, mainly those most seriously affected. Practice differs widely among different countries, mainly due to the variability of access to resources (viral testing and imaging equipment, specialised staff, protective equipment). It has been now ...[more]

PMID: 32532596

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Project description:ObjectivesTo explore radiographers' actions toward inappropriate referrals and hindrances to assessing referrals.MethodsAn online survey was distributed to radiographers via the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) networks. The questionnaire consisted of 5-point Likert scale questions on radiographers' actions to supplement referral information, actions for unjustified referrals and hindrances to referral assessment. The questionnaire was validated using a test-retest reliability analysis. Kappa values ≥ 0.6 were accepted. SPSS software was used for data analysis and chi-square tests to compare subgroups.ResultsTotal responses received were 279. The most reported actions to supplement missing referral information were to ask the patient or relative, examine the body region of concern and check medical records (73%, 70%, 67%, responded often/always, respectively). The actions when confronted with unjustified referrals were reported equally to consult the radiologist, referring clinician and radiographer (69-68% often/always responses). The hindering factors ranked high (agreed/strongly agreed responses) pertained to inadequate information in referral forms (83%), ineffective communication among healthcare professionals (79%), lack of training (70%) and allocated time (61%). Statistically significant associations were observed for a few actions and hindrances with education level, modality of practice and responsibility to screen imaging referrals.ConclusionRadiographers consult colleagues about suspected unjustified referrals. Effective communication pathways, training and time allocation to improve radiographers' skills to assess referrals may enhance appropriate imaging and delivery of quality patient care.Key points• Radiographers' actions of supplementing missing information in radiology referrals facilitate provision of high-quality health services. • Radiographers' strategy when confronted with inappropriate referrals is to consult radiologists and referring clinicians. • Better inter-professional communication and organisation of tasks can facilitate radiographers' participation in referral assessment to ensure appropriate imaging.

Dataset Information

COVID-19 in the radiology department: What radiographers need to know.

Publications

COVID-19 in the radiology department: What radiographers need to know.

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