Special Report of the RSNA COVID-19 Task Force: Crisis Leadership of Major Health System Radiology Departments during COVID-19

Reducing Intravenous Contrast Utilization for CT: A Health System-Wide Intervention With Sustained Impact

OBJECTIVE

To determine the volume of intravenous iodinated contrast media used for CT before, during, and after the global iohexol shortage over a total of 17 months at a multisite health system.

METHODS

This retrospective study included all patients who underwent CT at a large health system with 12 sites. Standardized contrast doses for 13 CT examinations were implemented May 23, 2022. Mean contrast utilization per CT encounter was compared between three periods (preintervention: January 1, 2022, to May 22, 2022; intervention: May 23, 2022, to September 11, 2022; postintervention: September 12, 2022, to June 30, 2023). Contrast doses and CT encounter data were extracted from the enterprise data warehouse. Categorical variables were compared with a χ2 test, and continuous variables were compared with a two-tailed t test. Multivariable linear regression assessed significance, with coefficients noted to determine magnitude and direction of effect.

RESULTS

Preintervention, there were 152,009 examinations (87,722 with contrast [57.7%]); during the intervention, there were 120,031 examinations (63,217 with contrast [52.7%]); and during the postintervention, there were 341,862 examinations (194,231 with contrast [56.8%]). Preintervention, mean contrast dose was 89.3 mL per examination, which decreased to 78.0 mL after standardization (Δ of -12.7%) (P < .001). This decrease continued throughout the intervention and persisted in the postintervention period (80.4 mL; Δ -10.0%, P < .001). On multivariable analysis, patient weight, sex, and performing site were all associated with variations in contrast dose. Most but not all sites (9 of 12) sustained the decreased contrast media dose in the postintervention period.

DISCUSSION

Implementing standardized contrast media dosing for commonly performed CT examinations led to a rapid decrease in contrast media utilization, which persisted over 1 year.

Attributes of national governance for an effective response to public health emergencies: Lessons from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic takes variable shapes and forms in different regions and countries. This variability is explained by several factors, including the governance of the epidemic. We aimed to identify the key attributes of governance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and gain lessons for an effective response to public health emergencies.

Methods

We employed a mixed-methods design. We mapped the attributes of governance from well-established governance frameworks. A negative binomial regression was conducted to identify the effect of the established governance measures on the epidemiology of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used publicly available data on COVID-19 cases and deaths in countries around the world. Document review was conducted to identify the key approaches and attributes of governance during the pre-vaccine era of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a thematic analysis to identify key attributes for effective governance.

Results

The established governance measures, including generation of intelligence, strategic direction, regulation, partnership, accountability, transparency, rule of law, control of corruption, responsiveness, effectiveness, efficiency, equity, ethics, and inclusiveness, are necessary but not sufficient to effectively respond to and contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional attributes of national governance were identified: 1) agile, adaptive, and transformative governance; 2) collective (collaborative, inclusive, cooperative, accountable, and transparent) governance; 3) multi-level governance; 4) smart and ethical governance: sensible, pragmatic, evidence-based, political, learner, and ethical.

Conclusions

The current governance frameworks and their attributes are not adequate to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue that countries need agile, adaptable, and transformational, collaborative, multi-level, smart and ethical governance to effectively respond to emerging and re-emerging public health threats. In addition, an effective response to public health emergencies depends not only on national governance but also on global governance. Hence, global health governance should be urgently renewed through a paradigm shift towards universal health coverage and health security to all populations and in all countries. This requires enhanced and consistent global health diplomacy based on knowledge, solidarity, and negotiation.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Radiology in Inpatient and Outpatient Care in Germany: A Nationwide Survey Regarding the First and Second Wave

OBJECTIVES

To find out the opinion of radiological inpatient and outpatient medical staff regarding the measures taken in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic during the first and second waves and to identify the measures that are still perceived as needing improvement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted an anonymous online survey among more than 10 000 radiologists/technicians in Germany from January 5 to January 31, 2021. A total of 862 responses (head physicians, n = 225 [inpatient doctors, n = 138; outpatient doctors, n = 84; N/A, n = 3]; radiologic personnel, n = 637 [inpatient doctor, n = 303; outpatient doctor, n = 50; inpatient technician, n = 217; outpatient technician, n = 26; N/A, n = 41]) were received. Questions of approximation, yes/no questions, and Likert scales were used.

RESULTS

During the first/second wave, 70 % (86/123)/43 % (45/104) of inpatient and 26 % (17/66)/10 % (5/52) of outpatient head physicians agreed that they received financial support from the authorities but the majority rated the financial support as insufficient. During the first and second wave, 33 % (8/24) and 80 % (16/20) of outpatient technicians agreed that they were adequately provided with personal protective equipment. The perceived lack of personal protective equipment improved for all participants during the second wave. Inpatient [outpatient] technicians perceived an increased workload in the first and second wave: 72 % (142/198) [79 % (19/24)] and 84 % (146/174) [80 % (16/20)].

CONCLUSION

Technicians seem increasingly negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Financial support by the competent authorities seems to be in need of improvement.

KEY POINTS

· The accessibility of personal protective equipment resources improved in the second wave.. · In particular, radiology technicians seem increasingly negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.. · Financial and consulting support from the government could be improved..

CITATION FORMAT

· Bernatz S, Afat S, Othman AE et al. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Radiology in Inpatient and Outpatient Care in Germany: A Nationwide Survey Regarding the First and Second Wave. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; 194: 70 - 82.

Update on establishing and managing an overnight emergency radiology division

Emergency department (ED) radiology divisions that serve to provide overnight attending coverage have become an increasingly common feature of radiology departments. The purpose of this article is to review the common ED radiology coverage models, describe desirable traits of emergency radiologists, and discuss workflow in the ED radiology setting. ED radiologists may be trained as ED radiologists or may develop the necessary skills and adopt the subspecialty. Choosing radiologists with the correct traits such as being a “night owl” and remaining calm under pressure and implementing an acceptable work schedule such as shift length of 9–10 h and a “one week on, two weeks off” schedule contribute to sustainability of the position. Strategies to address the unique stressors and workflow challenges of overnight emergency radiology coverage are also presented. Workflow facilitators including trainees, PAs, radiology assistants, and clerks all have roles to play in managing high case volumes and in making sure that the service is well staffed. Usage of artificial intelligence software is the latest technique to streamline workflow by identifying cases which should be prioritized on a busy worklist. Implementing such strategies will maintain quality of care for patients regardless of time of day as well as sustainability and quality of life for overnight emergency radiologists.