Standard operating procedure of image-guided intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic: a combined tertiary musculoskeletal oncology centre experience

The Impact of COVID-19 on Interventional Radiology Practice Worldwide: Results from a Global Survey

Background

The 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.

Methods

An 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.

Results

Interventional 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.

Conclusion

While 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.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00270-022-03090-6.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on interventional radiology services across the world

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.