Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the Practice of Clinical Radiology

The environmental sustainability implications of contrast media supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic: A document analysis of international practice guidelines

INTRODUCTION

Travel restrictions implemented during the acute phases of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chain for critical radiology consumables including contrast media (CM) leading to shortages. Consequently, some departments had to restructure their clinical workflows in accordance to recommended guidelines to ensure safe continuity of patient care. This study aimed to summarise the temporary crisis-driven recommendations with implicit environmental sustainability essence and to analyse how these measures might inform the development of a more sustainable, long-term clinical guideline for safer and cost-effective CM usage without compromising diagnostic quality.

METHODS

Documents were obtained through an electronic database search together with a relevant manual search in Google Scholar and relevant reference lists. The selected documents were subjected to a pre-defined eligibility criteria for inclusion. The READ approach was employed for document analysis and a thematic analysis of the obtained data was conducted.

RESULTS

Of the 17 documents included, 70% (n = 12) emanate from the United States of America. The summary of the findings relate to minimising CM usage through strategic clinical approaches including optimisation of CM volumes, prioritisation of non-contrast imaging and/or alternative imaging depending on patient need without compromising diagnostic quality.

CONCLUSION

Critical lessons of sustainability essence are implicitly embedded in the policy guidelines issued during the periods of acute CM shortage in the COVID-19 pandemic. These lessons were themed around CM conservation based on: type and priority of medical imaging investigation, kind of imaging modality and use of smaller vials over multi-dose vials packaging.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The temporary crisis-driven strategies may offer critical lessons for post-pandemic service delivery to enhance patient safety while saving cost and promoting greener practice via strategic clinical and operational monitoring of CM through policy renewal, education and training and collaboration with industry partners.

The evolution of new and emerging occupational health and safety risks: A qualitative review

BACKGROUND

Work itself and occupational health and safety (OHS) have evolved through industrial revolutions and will also continue to evolve in the future.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this qualitative literature review was to examine how the scientific discussion on new and emerging risks (NERs) related to OHS has evolved in recent decades in developed and newly industrialized countries.

METHODS

A search of the Scopus database yielded 34 articles published before 2000 and from 2020 onwards.

RESULTS

A review of the articles identified NERs themes related to changes in work patterns, changing workforce and growth in some sectors, climate change, new materials or increased use of materials, new technology and technological development, and viruses. In both article collection periods, possible adverse OHS effects discussed included musculoskeletal disorders, exposure to toxic agents, chemical compounds and hazardous materials, increased stress, increased likelihood of errors and accidents, psychosocial problems, mental fatigue, and increases in work-related illnesses and accidents.

CONCLUSIONS

The articles published during both periods discussed similar themes. The main differences were regarding specific time-related cases, such as climate change and COVID-19. Based on the findings of this review, points to consider in OHS management and future studies are discussed.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Radiology Department Employees and Trainees in Al-Qassim, 2021

Objectives This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on radiology department employees and trainees. It also compared the impact of COVID-19 to the pre-COVID-19 era in the Al-Qassim region. Methods This was a quantitative observational analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the largest government hospitals under the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Al-Qassim. A pre-determined questionnaire was distributed among radiology staff that included demographic characteristics, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among radiology staff, the behavior of staff related to COVID-19 infection, and the assessment of mental health using the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results Eighty-four radiology staff were recruited (64.3% males vs 35.7% females). Of these, 66.7% were trainees and the rest were employees (33.3%). Of the trainees, 32.1% and 42.9% thought that elective imaging, procedures, and outpatient/clinic exposures were reduced during the pandemic, and 37.5% indicated that their training had been affected negatively. The prevalence of depression among radiology staff was 36.9%. The prevalence of depression was substantially higher among radiology trainees (p=0.038), those who were not infected with COVID-16 (p=0.041), and those who indicated that their studying time increased at the time of the pandemic (p=0.047). However, after conducting multivariate regression analysis, these variables did not seem to have significantly affected depression (p>0.05). Conclusion Training and medical education have been affected negatively because of the outbreak. Studying time and research activities of employees and trainees slowed down, which could be critical to their careers. Trainees complained about the significant reduction in their exposure to clinics and imaging procedures. Therefore, a method to safeguard the well-being of employees and trainees in the radiology department is necessary to limit the impact of such pandemics.

Teaching the Future Radiologist: TED-Inspired Radiology Didactics

TED (acronym for technology, entertainment and design) conferences are an astonishingly successful modern-day platform for "ideas worth spreading". These continue to engage, enlighten and entertain an ever-expanding audience base. TED speakers highlight simple yet relevant ideas, often challenging entrenched perspectives and proposing hitherto unexplored solutions. In this perspective, the authors propose modeling some aspects of Radiology didactics along certain fundamental principles of TED and outline techniques to accomplish this. We overview how this shift can engage diverse learners and enhance retention of key information. We include evidence on such pedagogical techniques boosting learners' working memory and providing strategies for creative problem solving. Finally, we caution educators against criticisms of the TED format, including prioritizing style over content, "dumbing down" information to make it fit a prescribed format and sometimes offering insufficient scientific rigor.

A pre-post study of stressors and burnout affecting breast radiologists before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Rationale and objective

To compare burnout and stressors of breast radiologists prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and methods

Members of the Society of Breast Imaging were emailed an IRB-approved survey in January 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey included questions from the Maslach Burnout Inventory and specific stressors including work pace, work-life balance, care of dependents, and financial strain. Data were compared to previous surveys prior to the pandemic.

Results

The response rate was 25% (261/1061) for those who opened the email. Of the respondents, 74% (194/261) were female, 82% (214/261) were white, 73% (191/261) were full time, 71% (185/261) were fellowship trained, 41% (106/261) had more than 20 years of experience, and 30% (79/261) were in academic practice.Respondents in 2021 reported frequent levels of depersonalization (2.2) and emotional exhaustion (3.4) while reporting frequent levels of personal accomplishment (5.3), a protective factor. These values were nearly identical before the pandemic in 2020: (2.2, 3.5, 5.3, respectively, p = .9). Respondents rated practicing faster than they would like as the highest stressor; however, 5 of the 6 stressors improved after the pandemic onset (p < .05). Conversely, participants perceived these stresses had gotten slightly worse since the pandemic (p < .01). Almost 50% of respondents reported they were considering leaving their practice; the most common reason was work/life balance.

Conclusion

Burnout in breast radiologists remains frequent but unchanged during the COVID-19 pandemic. While participants perceived that some stressors were worse during the pandemic, there was slight improvement in most stressors between the pre-pandemic and pandemic cohorts.

Increased rate of significant findings on brain MRI during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the proportion of abnormal paediatric neuroimaging findings as a surrogate marker for potential underutilisation.

METHODS

Consecutive paediatric brain MRIs performed between March 27th and June 19th 2019 (Tbaseline) and March 23rd and June 1st 2020 (Tpandemic) were reviewed and classified according to presence or absence and type of imaging abnormality, and graded regarding severity on a 5-point Likert scale, where grade 4 was defined as abnormal finding requiring non-urgent intervention and grade 5 was defined as acute illness prompting urgent medical intervention. Non-parametric statistical testing was used to assess for significant differences between Tpandemic vs. Tbaseline.

RESULTS

Fewer paediatric MRI brains were performed during Tpandemic compared to Tbaseline (12.2 vs 14.7 examinations/day). No significant difference was found between the two time periods regarding sex and age (Tbaseline: 557 females (44.63%), 7.95 ± 5.49 years, Tpandemic: 385 females (44.61%), 7.64 ± 6.11 years; p = 1 and p = .079, respectively). MRI brain examinations during Tpandemic had a higher likelihood of being abnormal, 41.25% vs. 25.32% (p<.0001). Vascular abnormalities were more frequent during Tpandemic (11.01% vs 8.01%, p = .02), congenital malformations were less common (8.34% vs 12.34%, p = .004). Severity of MRI brain examinations was significantly different when comparing group 4 and group 5 individually and combined between Tbaseline and Tpandemic (p = .0018, p < .0001, and p <.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of abnormality and severity found on paediatric brain MRI was significantly higher during the early phase of the pandemic, likely due to underutilisation.

Impact of a Targeted Project for Shortening of Imaging Diagnostic Waiting Time in Patients with Suspected Oncological Diseases in Hungary

Background and Objectives: Medical imaging is a key element in the clinical workup of patients with suspected oncological disease. In Hungary, due to the high number of patients, waiting lists for Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were created some years ago. The Municipality of Budapest and Semmelweis University signed a cooperation agreement with an extra budget in 2020 (HBP: Healthy Budapest Program) to reduce the waiting lists for these patients. The aim of our study was to analyze the impact of the first experiences with the HBP. Material and Methods: The study database included all the CT/MRI examinations conducted at Semmelweis University with a referral diagnosis of suspected oncological disease within the first 13 months of the HBP (6804 cases). In our retrospective, two-armed, comparative clinical study, different components of the waiting times in the oncology diagnostics pathway were analyzed. Using propensity score matching, we compared the data of the HBP-funded patients (n = 450) to those of the patients with regular care provided by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) (n = 450). Results: In the HBP-funded vs. the NHIF-funded patients, the time interval from the first suspicion of oncological disease to the request for imaging examinations was on average 15.2 days shorter (16.1 vs. 31.3 days), and the mean waiting time for the CT/MRI examination was reduced by 13.0 days (4.2 vs. 17.2 days, respectively). In addition, the imaging medical records were prepared on average 1.7 days faster for the HBP-funded patients than for the NHIF-funded patients (3.4 vs. 5.1 days, respectively). No further shortening of the different time intervals during the subsequent oncology diagnostic pathway (histological investigation and multidisciplinary team decision) or in the starting of specific oncological therapy (surgery, irradiation, and chemotherapy) was observed in the HBP-funded vs. the NHIF-funded patients. We identified a moderately strong negative correlation (r = -0.5736, p = 0.0350) between the CT/MR scans requested and the active COVID-19 case rates during the pandemic waves. Conclusion: The waiting lists for diagnostic CT/MR imaging can be effectively shortened with a targeted project, but a more comprehensive intervention is needed to shorten the time from the radiological diagnosis, through the decisions of the oncoteam, to the start of the oncological treatment.

Virtual Interviewing for Radiology Residency: Pluses, Minuses, and A Review of the Literature

This article reviews current medical literature to assess the benefits and drawbacks of virtual interviews for radiology residencies as well as the downstream effects of these changes, best practices, and potential future recruitment methods. Topics covered include the effects of remote recruitment in promoting accessibility and applicant diversity and equality as well as fiscal, environmental, and time savings in combination with technical challenges, the complications of over application, challenges in assessment of program culture and location, impact on morale, and hidden financial and emotional costs. Learnings from other medical specialties are highlighted in addition to the process of signaling, guidelines for conducting and participating in virtual interviews, and matters for future consideration.

Prevalence of burnout in private practice radiology leaders

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate prevalence and demographic factors associated with both burnout and fulfillment of private practice radiologist leaders within the United States.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study cohort was the largest coalition of wholly radiologist owned, independently practicing radiology groups within the United States. Two designated leaders within each of the 30 radiology private practices within the organization Strategic Radiology were electronically mailed a weblink to a confidential IRB-approved survey in July 2021. Surveys included questions from the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index, individual and practice demographics, and self-care.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 67% (40/60). Fulfillment and burnout scores were calculated from the individual questions, and radiologists were classified as being fulfilled or not and burned out or not based upon score cutoffs previously validated from the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI). The overall professional fulfillment rate of staff was 43% and the overall burnout rate was 33%. (Cronbach's α = 0.90 for fulfillment and 0.91 for burnout). The inverse correlation between professional fulfillment and burnout was highly significant (r = -0.42, p = 0.007). No statistically significant association was seen between either burnout or fulfillment and age, gender, ethnicity, practice geography or practice size.

CONCLUSION

Utilizing the validated Stanford PFI for assessment, the prevalence of burnout in private practice radiologist leaders was 33%. The prevalence of professional fulfillment was 43%, with a mild inverse association between professional fulfillment and burnout.

SUMMARY

In private practice leaders, the prevalence of burnout was 33% and the prevalence of professional fulfillment was 43%.

Virtual Mentoring: A Guide to Navigating a New Age in Mentorship

Mentorship is a fundamental part of professional and personal growth. Over time, the fabric of mentorship has been transforming from typical one-on-one mentor-mentee relationship to other types including peer, group, speed, and virtual mentoring. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it caused major disruptions in many facets of life and career, including mentoring. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, live meetings were canceled, and social distancing measures were enacted at many institutions. Thus, the traditional set-up, with a face-to-face mentor and mentee interaction, was impossible. Many virtual platforms were utilized to navigate through these restrictions. In this review, we highlight challenges in mentorship during the COVID-19 pandemic and how we implemented different strategies to promote mentorship.

Early-stage COVID-19 pandemic observations on pulmonary embolism using nationwide multi-institutional data harvesting

We introduce a multi-institutional data harvesting (MIDH) method for longitudinal observation of medical imaging utilization and reporting. By tracking both large-scale utilization and clinical imaging results data, the MIDH approach is targeted at measuring surrogates for important disease-related observational quantities over time. To quantitatively investigate its clinical applicability, we performed a retrospective multi-institutional study encompassing 13 healthcare systems throughout the United States before and after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Using repurposed software infrastructure of a commercial AI-based image analysis service, we harvested data on medical imaging service requests and radiology reports for 40,037 computed tomography pulmonary angiograms (CTPA) to evaluate for pulmonary embolism (PE). Specifically, we compared two 70-day observational periods, namely (i) a pre-pandemic control period from 11/25/2019 through 2/2/2020, and (ii) a period during the early COVID-19 pandemic from 3/8/2020 through 5/16/2020. Natural language processing (NLP) on final radiology reports served as the ground truth for identifying positive PE cases, where we found an NLP accuracy of 98% for classifying radiology reports as positive or negative for PE based on a manual review of 2,400 radiology reports. Fewer CTPA exams were performed during the early COVID-19 pandemic than during the pre-pandemic period (9806 vs. 12,106). However, the PE positivity rate was significantly higher (11.6 vs. 9.9%, p < 10^-4) with an excess of 92 PE cases during the early COVID-19 outbreak, i.e., ~1.3 daily PE cases more than statistically expected. Our results suggest that MIDH can contribute value as an exploratory tool, aiming at a better understanding of pandemic-related effects on healthcare.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Breast Imaging: An Analysis of the National Mammography Database

Purpose

The aim of this study was to quantify the initial decline and subsequent rebound in breast cancer screening metrics throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

Screening and diagnostic mammographic examinations, biopsies performed, and cancer diagnoses were extracted from the ACR National Mammography Database from March 1, 2019, through May 31, 2021. Patient (race and age) and facility (regional location, community type, and facility type) demographics were collected. Three time periods were used for analysis: pre-COVID-19 (March 1, 2019, to May 31, 2019), peak COVID-19 (March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020), and COVID-19 recovery (March 1, 2021, to May 31, 2021). Analysis was performed at the facility level and overall between time periods.

Results

In total, 5,633,783 screening mammographic studies, 1,282,374 diagnostic mammographic studies, 231,390 biopsies, and 69,657 cancer diagnoses were analyzed. All peak COVID-19 metrics were less than pre-COVID-19 volumes: 36.3% of pre-COVID-19 for screening mammography, 57.9% for diagnostic mammography, 47.3% for biopsies, and 48.7% for cancer diagnoses. There was some rebound during COVID-19 recovery as a percentage of pre-COVID-19 volumes: 85.3% of pre-COVID-19 for screening mammography, 97.8% for diagnostic mammography, 91.5% for biopsies, and 92.0% for cancer diagnoses. Across various metrics, there was a disproportionate negative impact on older women, Asian women, facilities in the Northeast, and facilities affiliated with academic medical centers.

Conclusions

COVID-19 had the greatest impact on screening mammography volumes, which have not returned to pre-COVID-19 levels. Cancer diagnoses declined significantly in the acute phase and have not fully rebounded, emphasizing the need to increase outreach efforts directed at specific patient population and facility types.

Prevalencia y factores de desgaste profesional en radiólogos durante la pandemia COVID-19

Antecedentes

La epidemia por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) se ha extendido por todo el mundo desde principios de 2020, sometiendo a los profesionales sanitarios a una sobrecarga laboral y a un mayor nivel de estrés físico y emocional.

Objetivos

El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la prevalencia de desgaste profesional y sus posibles factores asociados en los radiólogos españoles durante la COVID-19, y su comparación con la situación previa a la pandemia.

Métodos

Estudio observacional realizado entre los meses de abril y agosto de 2020 (durante la pandemia) mediante una encuesta en línea. Se obtuvieron un total de 150 respuestas. Se recopiló y comparó la información demográfica y laboral de los encuestados. Se determinó la presencia del desgaste profesional con el cuestionario Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) y se comparó su prevalencia y características con el estudio realizado de la misma manera en 2019. Se hizo un análisis estadístico para identificar los posibles factores de riesgo y protectores asociados con este síndrome, así como un análisis de homogeneidad entre las dos muestras.

Resultados

La prevalencia del síndrome aumentó de forma significativa (p = 0,002) durante la pandemia COVID-19 (49,3% frente a 33,6%). Ningún factor de riesgo o de protección se ha identificado como constante antes y después de la pandemia. No se ha identificado ninguna correlación del desgaste con las características sociodemográficas o laborales.

Conclusión

Este estudio demuestra un aumento importante del desgaste profesional durante la pandemia por la COVID-19 con afectación de casi la mitad de los radiólogos encuestados. Estos resultados destacan la necesidad de valorar el apoyo orientado al bienestar profesional de los radiólogos en España. No se ha identificado correlación entre el síndrome y género, edad, número de guardias, antigüedad, ingreso anual, docencia, estado civil, número de hijos o tipo de contrato laboral.

Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic: surveys of the Society for Pediatric Radiology and the Society of Chiefs of Radiology at Children's Hospitals

BACKGROUND

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some pediatric radiologists have shifted to working from home; the long-term ramifications for pediatric radiologists and departments have not yet been defined.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize experiences of working from home associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and guide expectations after the pandemic is controlled, via separate surveys of Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR) and Society of Chiefs of Radiology at Children's Hospitals (SCORCH) members.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two separate surveys were conducted. In the first, SPR members were surveyed Jan. 11 through Feb. 8, 2021. The response rate was 17.0% (255 of 1,501). Survey questions included demographics, information on the ability to work from home and subjective experiences ranked on a scale of 0 to 10. The survey enabled segregation and comparison of responses between those with and without home PACS. In the second survey, SCORCH members were surveyed Dec. 8, 2020, through Jan. 8, 2021. The response rate was 51.5% (51/99). Survey questions included the logistics of working from home, technical specifications and the expectations on clinical duties performed from home. The Wilcoxon rank test was used to determine statistical significance of compared variables between respondents with and without home PACS in SPR members, and expectations between SPR and SCORCH members. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic questions and free text responses.

RESULTS

The majority of member respondents (81.2%, 207/255) had a home PACS and most departments provided home PACS to faculty (94.1%, 48/51). Overall, radiologists who could work from home were satisfied with their ability to work from home (mean rating: 8.3/10) and were significantly more satisfied than predicted by those without home PACS (5.9/10, P<0.0001). Respondents overwhelmingly indicated they were less able to teach trainees (mean rating: 2.7/10) and had decreased emotional engagement (mean rating: 4.4/10), but had improved research productivity and cognitive ability for research when working from home (mean rating for both: 5.3/10). Regarding the expectations of the ability to work from home after no longer needing to address the pandemic, department chairs generally favored fewer rotations from home, with 97.9% (47/48) indicating working from home should be 60% or fewer assignments, compared with 84.1% (164/195) of individual radiologists (P=0.071).

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a shift to working from home using PACS. Results of these SPR and SCORCH member surveys can help inform future decisions regarding pediatric radiologists working from home once the pandemic has been controlled.

Strategies to optimize a pediatric magnetic resonance imaging service

A pediatric MRI service is a vital component of a successful radiology department. Building an efficient and effective pediatric MRI service is a multifaceted process that requires detailed planning for considerations related to finance, operations, quality and safety, and process improvement. These are compounded by the unique challenges of caring for pediatric patients, particularly in the setting of the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition to material resources, a successful pediatric MRI service depends on a collaborative team consisting of radiologists, physicists, technologists, nurses and vendor specialists, among others, to identify and resolve challenges and to strive for continued improvement. This article provides an overview of the factors involved in both starting and optimizing a pediatric MRI service, including commonly encountered obstacles and some proposed solutions to address them.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diagnostic imaging services in Australia

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic is driving unprecedented changes in healthcare services worldwide. This study aimed to quantify the impact of the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic on diagnostic imaging services in Australia using an interrupted time series model.

Methods

Monthly data were extracted from the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule for all diagnostic imaging services performed between January 2016 and December 2019. Holt‐Winters forecasting models were developed for total imaging services as well as for each imaging modality. The models were used to predict monthly data between January 2020 and June 2020 with a 95% confidence interval (P < 0.05). Absolute and percentage residual differences (RD) between observed and predicted services for this time period were calculated.

Results

There were statistically significant reductions in total imaging services performed in March 2020 (RD: −332260, −13.1%, 95% CI: −17.5% to −8.4%), April 2020 (RD: −716957, −32.4%, 95% CI: −36.2% to −28.1%) and May 2020 (RD: −571634, −21.4%, 95% CI: −25.1% to −17.3%). Nuclear medicine and CT services were relatively less impacted than general radiography, ultrasound, and MRI services. There was also a statistically significant increase in nuclear medicine and CT services performed in June 2020 compared to predicted values.

Conclusions

During the first wave of COVID‐19 in Australia, there was a significant reduction in total diagnostic imaging services, with variable impacts on different imaging modalities. These findings may have significant public health implications and can be used to inform evidence‐based strategies in the recovery phase of the pandemic.

COVID-19 imaging: Diagnostic approaches, challenges, and evolving advances

The role of radiology and the radiologist have evolved throughout the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Early on, chest computed tomography was used for screening and diagnosis of COVID-19; however, it is now indicated for high-risk patients, those with severe disease, or in areas where polymerase chain reaction testing is sparsely available. Chest radiography is now utilized mainly for monitoring disease progression in hospitalized patients showing signs of worsening clinical status. Additionally, many challenges at the operational level have been overcome within the field of radiology throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of teleradiology and virtual care clinics greatly enhanced our ability to socially distance and both are likely to remain important mediums for diagnostic imaging delivery and patient care. Opportunities to better utilize of imaging for detection of extrapulmonary manifestations and complications of COVID-19 disease will continue to arise as a more detailed understanding of the pathophysiology of the virus continues to be uncovered and identification of predisposing risk factors for complication development continue to be better understood. Furthermore, unidentified advancements in areas such as standardized imaging reporting, point-of-care ultrasound, and artificial intelligence offer exciting discovery pathways that will inevitably lead to improved care for patients with COVID-19.

COVID-19: A call for mentorship in radiology

During the COVID-19 pandemic, mentorship relationships have undergone significant strain. Sudden changes in the practice environment have caused radiologists to focus their attention to more immediate and essential clinical needs, thus leaving important extracurricular non-clinical endeavors like mentorship by the wayside. However, mentorship is essential more than ever during the pandemic to build strength and resilience in radiology. Specifically, mentorship can foster job resilience, facilitate career development, promote diversity, support wellness, and stimulate future practice growth during this pandemic. Practical actions are described that mentors can follow to help develop and sustain mentorship relationships during the pandemic.

Summary

Mentorship is critical now during the COVID-19 pandemic to build strength and resilience in radiology.

Impact of COVID-19 on Breast Imaging Practice Operations and Recovery Efforts: A North American Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast imaging facilities' operations and recovery efforts across North America.

METHODS

A survey on breast imaging facilities' operations and strategies for recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic was distributed to the membership of the Society of Breast Imaging and National Consortium of Breast Centers from June 4, 2020, to July 14, 2020. A descriptive summary of responses was performed. Comparisons were made between demographic variables of respondents and questions of interest using a Pearson chi-square test.

RESULTS

There were 473 survey respondents (response rate of 13%). The majority of respondents (70%; 332/473) reported 80%-100% breast imaging volume reduction, with 94% (447/473) reporting postponement of screening mammography. The majority of respondents (97%; 457/473) continued to perform biopsies. There were regional differences in safety measures taken for staff (P = 0.004), with practices in the West more likely reporting no changes in the work environment compared to other regions. The most common changes to patients' experience included spacing out of furniture in waiting rooms (94%; 445/473), limiting visitors (91%; 430/473), and spacing out appointments (83%). A significantly higher proportion of practices in the Northeast (95%; 104/109) initiated patient scheduling changes compared to other regions (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 had an acute impact on breast imaging facilities. Although common national operational patterns emerged, geographic variability was notable in particular in recovery efforts. These findings may inform future best practices for delivering breast imaging care amid the ongoing and geographically shifting COVID-19 pandemic.

Enabling Your Radiology Business to Thrive Strategic Lessons Learned During the Initial and Subsequent Surges of the Covid-19 Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic surges of 2020 resulted in major operational, personal, and financial impacts on US radiology practices. In response, a series of strategic and intentional operational changes were implemented, varying by practice size, structure and model. In reviewing the many business lessons that we learned during the pandemic, it became clear that for a business to be successful, a host of additional supportive factors are necessary. In addition to timely expense reductions, optimizing revenue capture and close monitoring and management of cash and reserves available for use, we also consider effective leadership and communication strategies, maintenance of a healthy and adequately staffed team, support for a remote work environment and flexible staffing models. Other ingredients include effectively embracing digital media for communications, careful attention to current and new stakeholders and the service delivered to them, understanding federal and state regulatory changes issued in response to the pandemic, close collaboration with the Human Resources office, and an early focus on redesigning your future practice structure and function, including disaster and downtime planning. This review aims to share lessons to enable leaders of an imaging enterprise to be better prepared for similar and future surges.