Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on interventional radiology services across the world.
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ABSTRACT: Aim
To review data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on interventional radiology (IR) services.Materials and methods
A systematic review of the available studies was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines.Results
A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. IR caseload reduced between 16.8-80%, with elective activity affected more than emergency work. Trainees also experienced a 11-51.9% reduction in case volumes and many were redeployed to critical care. IR departments re-organised operations and personnel, and many continued to offer 24/7 services and support critical care areas through redeployment of staff. The majority of studies report no significant issues with the availability of personal protective equipment and that local or national governing body or radiology society guidelines were followed.Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic reduced case volumes and training opportunities. IR departments showed flexibility in service delivery. The lessons learned offer novel insights into how services and training can be reorganised to ensure that IR continues to thrive.
SUBMITTER: Xu Y
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8133525 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:PurposeThe aim of this national survey was to assess the overall impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the provision of interventional radiology (IR) services in Canada.MethodsAn anonymous electronic survey was distributed via national and regional radiology societies, exploring (1) center information and staffing, (2) acute and on-call IR services, (3) elective IR services, (4) IR clinics, (5) multidisciplinary rounds, (6) IR training, (7) personal protection equipment (PPE), and departmental logistics.ResultsIndividual responses were received from 142 interventional radiologists across Canada (estimated 70% response rate). Nearly half of the participants (49.3%) reported an overall decrease in demand for acute IR services; on-call services were maintained at centers that routinely provide these services (99%). The majority of respondents (73.2%) were performing inpatient IR procedures at the bedside where possible. Most participants (88%) reported an overall decrease in elective IR services. Interventional radiology clinics and multidisciplinary rounds were predominately transitioned to virtual platforms. The vast majority of participants (93.7%) reported their center had disseminated an IR specific PPE policy; 73% reported a decrease in case volume for trainees by at least 25% and a proportion of trainees will either have a delay in starting their careers as IR attendings (24%) or fellowship training (35%).ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on IR services in Canada, particularly for elective cases. Many centers have utilized virtual platforms to provide multidisciplinary meetings, IR clinics, and training. Guidelines should be followed to ensure patient and staff safety while resuming IR services.
| S-EPMC7459179 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created unprecedented challenges on the healthcare system. The aim of this multi-centre study was to measure the impact of COVID-19 on IR services in the UK.Material and methodsRetrospective cross-sectional study of IR practice in six UK centres during the COVID-19 pandemic was carried out. All therapeutic IR procedures were identified using the respective hospital radiology information systems and COVID-19 status found on the hospital patient record systems. The total number of therapeutic IR procedures was recorded over two time periods, 25/03/2019-21/04/2019 (control group) and 30/03/2020-26/04/2020 (COVID-19 group). The data points collected were: procedure type, aerosol-generating nature, acute or elective case, modality used, in- or out-of-hours case and whether the procedure was done at the bedside (portable).ResultsA 31% decrease in overall number of IR procedures was observed during COVID-19 compared to the control group (1363 cases vs 942 cases); however, the acute work decreased by only 0.5%. An increase in out-of-hours work by 10% was observed. COVID-19 was suspected or laboratory proved in 9.9% of cases (n = 93), and 15% of total cases (n = 141) were classed as aerosol-generating procedures. A 66% rise in cholecystostomy was noted during COVID-19. Image-guided ablation, IVC filters, aortic stent grafting and visceral vascular stenting had the greatest % decreases in practice during COVID-19, with 91.7%, 83.3%, 80.8% and 80.2% decreases, respectively.ConclusionDuring the global pandemic, IR has continued to provide emergency and elective treatment highlighting the adaptability of IR in supporting other specialties.
| S-EPMC7609351 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on clinical practice and healthcare professionals. We aimed to assess how interventional radiology services (IR services) were impacted by the pandemic and describe adaptations to services and working patterns across the first two waves.MethodsAn anonymous six-part survey created using an online service was distributed as a single-use web link to 7125 members of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe via email. Out of 450 respondents, 327 who completed the survey at least partially including 278 who completed the full survey were included into the analysis.ResultsInterventional radiologists (IRs) reported that the overall workload decreased a lot (18%) or mildly (36%) or remained stable (29%), and research activities were often delayed (30% in most/all projects, 33% in some projects). Extreme concerns about the health of families, patients and general public were reported by 43%, 34% and 40%, respectively, and 29% reported having experienced significant stress (25% quite a bit; 23% somewhat). Compared to the first wave, significant differences were seen regarding changes to working patterns, effect on emergency work, outpatient and day-case services in the second wave. A total of 59% of respondents felt that their organisation was better prepared for a third wave. A total of 19% and 39% reported that the changes implemented would be continued or potentially continued on a long-term basis.ConclusionWhile the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected IR services in terms of workload, research activity and emotional burden, IRs seem to have improved the own perception of adaptation and preparation for further waves of the pandemic.
| S-EPMC8916069 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesTo assess changes in working patterns and education experienced by radiology residents in Northwest Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online questionnaire was sent to residents of 9 postgraduate schools in Lombardy and Piedmont, investigating demographics, changes in radiological workload, involvement in COVID-19-related activities, research, distance learning, COVID-19 contacts and infection, changes in training profile, and impact on psychological wellbeing. Descriptive and χ2 statistics were used.ResultsAmong 373 residents invited, 300 (80%) participated. Between March and April 2020, 44% (133/300) of respondents dedicated their full time to radiology; 41% (124/300) engaged in COVID-19-related activities, 73% (90/124) of whom working in COVID-19 wards; 40% (121/300) dedicated > 25% of time to distance learning; and 66% (199/300) were more involved in research activities than before the pandemic. Over half of residents (57%, 171/300) had contacts with COVID-19-positive subjects, 5% (14/300) were infected, and 8% (23/300) lost a loved one due to COVID-19. Only 1% (3/300) of residents stated that, given the implications of this pandemic scenario, they would not have chosen radiology as their specialty, whereas 7% (22/300) would change their subspecialty. The most common concerns were spreading the infection to their loved ones (30%, 91/300), and becoming sick (7%, 21/300). Positive changes were also noted, such as being more willing to cooperate with other colleagues (36%, 109/300).ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic changed radiology residents' training programmes, with distance learning, engaging in COVID-19-related activities, and a greater involvement in research becoming part of their everyday practice.Key points• Of 300 participants, 44% were fully dedicated to radiological activity and 41% devoted time to COVID-19-related activities, 73% of whom to COVID-19 wards. • Distance learning was substantial for 40% of residents, and 66% were involved in research activities more than before the COVID-19 pandemic. • Over half of residents were exposed to COVID-19 contacts and less than one in twenty was infected.
| S-EPMC7986178 | biostudies-literature
Project description:PurposeTo report the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on interventional radiology (IR).Materials and methodsA 78-question survey was distributed to practicing interventional radiologists and IR trainees. The survey consisted of demographic and practice environment queries. Anxiety symptoms were evaluated using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) screener, and coping strategies were assessed using the Brief-Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief-COPE) questionnaire.ResultsThere were 422 respondents including 333 (78.9%) attending interventional radiologists and 89 (21.1%) interventional radiologists-in-training from 15 counties. Most respondents were from academic medical centers (n = 218; 51.7%). A large majority (n = 391; 92.7%) performed a procedure on a patient with confirmed COVID-19 infection. An N95 mask was the most common (n = 366; 93.6%) safety measure employed. Cancellation or limitation of elective procedures were reported by 276 (65.4%) respondents. Many respondents (n = 177; 41.9%) had self-reported anxiety (GAD-7 score >5) with an overall mean GAD-7 score of 4.64 ± 4.63 (range: 0-21). Factors associated with reporting anxiety included female gender (p = 0.045), increased call coverage (p = 0.048), lack of adequate departmental adjustments (p <0.0001), and lack of adjustments in a timely manner (p <0.0001). The most utilized coping strategy was acceptance (mean of 5.49 ± 1.88), while the most employed dysfunctional coping strategy was self-distraction (mean of 4.16 ± 1.67). The odds of reporting anxiety increased by >125% with adoption of dysfunctional strategies.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic induced practice alterations and high rates of self-reported anxiety in IR. Female gender, increased call coverage, and lack of adequate or timely departmental adjustments were associated with increased anxiety levels.
| S-EPMC8185184 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Primary outcome(s): The incidence of obstructive colorectal cancer
| 2656898 | ecrin-mdr-crc
Project description:Background: COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV2 has seriously impacted the global economy. Medical facilities around the world were not prepared for the enormous challenges posed by the growing number of patients each day, the shortage of personal protective equipment, and insufficient numbers of medical staff. Governments have tried to counteract the impact of the pandemic, but the measures taken have not always been sufficient to maintain access to and quality of health services at the same level as before the pandemic. The disruption of health services has resulted in more and more research reports from different parts of the world on the accessibility of health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: This review article presents 21 selected scientific studies on access to health services in different regions of the world. Articles were found in PubMed, GoogleScholar, Medline, and ScienceDirect databases, then grouped, and significant data were extracted from each article. The results were summarized in a table. Results: The range of limited health services included a variety of specialties, including primary care, psychiatry, orthopedics, cardiology, neurosurgery, and more. Methods used in the studies were based on retrospective analysis or on the subjective assessment of patients in the form of a questionnaire or interview. Most authors claimed a decrease in accessibility to health services during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period, including a decrease in planned surgeries, doctor appointments, patient admission to hospital or ER, and access to medicines. Additionally, some authors observed an increase in the mortality rate. One of the few medical services that have expanded rapidly during the pandemic was online appointments. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has most certainly affected the accessibility of health services worldwide. Lessons should be learned to prevent inaccessibility to medical services, especially as experts predict another wave of COVID-19 cases.
| S-EPMC8716399 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesWhile the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic looks to persist, institutions promote delaying procedures. Understanding trends and demands of interventional radiology (IR) procedures in the infected and COVID-free populations are needed in long-term planning. We detail IR procedure trends in the first 27 weeks of the pandemic and compare with the pre-pandemic era.MethodsIn this IRB approved retrospective electronic case review, all IR patients in our institution from 1 January to 9 July 2020, the same period in 2019 pre-pandemic and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) outbreak were included. IR procedures were classified using Interventional Radiology-Procedure Acuity Scale (IR-PAS) and category of IR procedures. Along with descriptive frequencies, the Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test of independence were performed.ResultsDuring the pandemic, 3655 IR procedures were performed compared to 3851 procedures pre-pandemic. No statistically significant difference in weekly IR caseloads across IR-PAS tiers between both periods (p = .088) and category of procedure (p = .054) were noted. General intervention procedures remained the largest proportion and musculoskeletal procedures the minority, in both periods. More general intervention radiology and oncology procedures were performed during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the SARS-CoV outbreak. Thirty-four (0.93%) IR procedures were performed on 30 COVID-19 patients. There was no IR procedure-related COVID-19 cross-transmission.ConclusionsDemand for IR procedures among COVID-free patients remains high, and IR procedures involving COVID-19 represents a fraction of the IR caseload. A sustainable model in providing timely IR services to COVID-free patients needs to be considered.
| S-EPMC7724451 | biostudies-literature
Project description:RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES:Following state and institutional guidelines, our Radiology department launched the "Recover Wisely" for all nonurgent radiology care on May 4, 2020. Our objective is to report our practice implementation and experience of COVID-19 recovery during the resumption of routine imaging at a tertiary academic medical center. MATERIALS AND METHODS:We used the SQUIRE 2.0 guidelines for this practice implementation. Recover Wisely focused on a data driven, strategic rescheduling and redesigning patient flow process. We used scheduling simulations and meticulous monitoring and control of outpatient medical imaging volumes to achieve a linear restoration to our pre-COVID imaging studies. We had a tiered plan to address the backlog of rescheduled patients with gradual opening of our imaging facilities, while maintaining broad communication with our patients and referring clinicians. RESULTS:Recover Wisely followed our anticipated linear modeling. Considering the last 10 weeks in the recovery, outpatient growth was linear with an increase of approximately 172 cases per week, (R2 =0.97). We achieved an overall recovery of 102% in week 10, as compared to average weekly pre-COVID outpatient volumes. The modalities recovered as follows in outpatient volumes: CT (113%), MRI (101%), nuclear medicine including PET (138%), mammograms (97%), ultrasound (99%) and interventional radiology (106%). When compared to identical 2019 calendar weeks (May 4, 2020-July 10, 2020), the total 2020 radiology volume was 11% reduced from the 2019 volume. The reduction in total weighted relative value units was 8% in this time period, as compared to 2019. CONCLUSION:Our department utilized a data-driven, team approach based on our guiding principles to "Recover Wisely." We created and implemented a methodology that achieved a linear increase in outpatient studies over a 10-week recovery period.
| S-EPMC7416732 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background: The impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic extends beyond the realms of patient care and healthcare resource use to include medical education; however, the repercussions of COVID-19 on the quality of training and trainee perceptions have yet to be explored. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of interventional pulmonology (IP) fellows' involvement in the care of COVID-19 and its impact on fellows' clinical education, procedure skills, and postgraduation employment search. Methods: An internet-based survey was validated and distributed among IP fellows in North American fellowship training programs. Results: Of 40 eligible fellows, 38 (95%) completed the survey. A majority of fellows (76%) reported involvement in the care of patients with COVID-19. Fellows training in the Northeast United States reported involvement in the care of a higher number of patients with COVID-19 than in other regions (median, 30 [interquartile range, 20-50] vs. 10 [5-13], respectively; P < 0.01). Fifty-two percent of fellows reported redeployment outside IP during COVID-19, mostly into intensive care units. IP procedure volume decreased by 21% during COVID-19 compared with pre-COVID-19 volume. This decrease was mainly accounted for by a reduction in bronchoscopies. A majority of fellows (82%) reported retainment of outpatient clinics during COVID-19 with the transition from face-to-face to telehealth-predominant format. Continuation of academic and research activities during COVID-19 was reported by 86% and 82% of fellows, respectively. After graduation, all fellows reported having secured employment positions. Conclusion: Although IP fellows were extensively involved in the care of patients with COVID-19, most IP programs retained educational activities through the COVID-19 outbreak. The impact of the decrease in procedure volume on trainee competency would be best addressed individually within each training program. These data may assist in focusing efforts regarding the education of medical trainees during the current and future healthcare crises.
| S-EPMC8362793 | biostudies-literature