Fighting the invisible enemy: providing support and structure to radiology resident during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Radiology Resident Education: Where Do We Go From Here?

The Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused a dramatic shift in radiology resident education. Primarily, physical distancing prompted a general transition to virtual learning. Common changes made by radiology residency programs included virtual rounds and readouts, the use of simulation technology, and case-based learning which utilized pedagogical approaches such as the flipped classroom for teaching residents. Virtual learning appears to be a suitable alternative to traditional, in-person learning, and may have a place post-pandemic as part of a blended curriculum with in-person and virtual components. The extent of disruption to radiology resident education varied based on the local impact of COVID-19 and the prevalence of redeployment, as did residents’ mental health and wellbeing. Accessibility of mental health resources for residents was highlighted as an issue that programs need to address during these difficult times. Moreover, the pandemic resulted in unavoidable reductions in procedural exposure which programs mitigated through the use of simulation technologies and virtual learning resources. Professional development activities such as mentorship and career planning were also dramatically impacted by the pandemic and remains a challenge that programs need to consider moving forward post-pandemic. The purpose of this review is to outline the changes made to radiology resident education as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and suggest what changes may be worthwhile to continue.

Suporte ético-emocional à profissionais de enfermagem frente à pandemia de COVID-19: relato de experiência

Resumo Objetivo Descrever a experiência de planejamento, execução e avaliação de um serviço de suporte ético-emocional para profissionais de enfermagem frente à pandemia de COVID-19. Método Relato de experiência no âmbito da Comissão de Suporte Ético-Emocional do Conselho Regional de Minas Gerais, Brasil, desenvolvido entre os meses de abril e dezembro de 2020 e operacionalizado através de ligações telefônicas e mensagens via aplicativo de comunicação. Resultados Foram atendidos 241 profissionais. Foram revelados e declarados sentimentos, emoções, vivências e problemas oriundos do cotidiano de trabalho da enfermagem diante do contexto pandêmico. Tais problemas reforçam a eminência, a urgência e o valor que o suporte teve para a vida, trabalho e saúde dos profissionais atendidos, configurando-se como uma estratégia de saúde e de intervenção indispensável à promoção, prevenção, segurança e proteção da saúde mental frente à pandemia. Os atendimentos culminaram na redução de sentimentos negativos; na percepção aumentada (identificação de potenciais ameaças e contextos de “gatilhos”); na valorização pessoal; no autoconhecimento e autocuidado. Considerações finais e implicações para a prática O suporte fez-se inovador para área da saúde e da enfermagem ao constituir-se como uma estratégia multidisciplinar promotora, aconselhadora e facilitadora do cuidado em tempos de COVID-19. Encoraja-se a manutenção desta estratégia após a pandemia.

Computed tomography features of cerebrovascular complications in intensive care unit patients with severe COVID-19

Objective

To report the computed tomography (CT) features of acute cerebrovascular complications in severely ill patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the intensive care unit.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 29 intensive care unit patients with confirmed COVID-19 who underwent CT of the brain. We describe the CT features of the cerebrovascular complications of COVID-19, as well the demographic characteristics and clinical features, together with the results of laboratory tests, such as complete blood cell count, coagulation testing, renal function testing, and C-reactive protein assay.

Results

Two patients were excluded because of brain death. Among the remaining 27 patients, CT revealed acute cerebrovascular complications in six (three men and three women; 49-81 years of age), whereas no such complications were seen in 21 (15 men and six women; 36-82 years of age).

Conclusion

Radiologists should be aware of the risks of cerebrovascular complications of COVID-19 and the potential underlying etiologies. COVID-19-associated coagulopathy is likely multifactorial and may increase the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic infarction.