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Mohamed Afif A, Abdul Razak H, Choong AWD. COVID-19 pandemic experience of diagnostic radiographers: A Singapore survey. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2023; 54:S62-S69. [PMID: 36842892 PMCID: PMC9910016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diagnostic Radiographers (DR) are the frontline responders during the COVID-19 outbreak, providing essential diagnostic imaging services for screening and monitoring of suspected and confirmed patients. Understanding the experience and perceptions of DR towards the COVID-19 outbreak enables radiography leaders to guide changes in the approach to managing response to future health outbreaks. This study aims to document the experiences of DR in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS All DR practising in Singapore institutions were invited to participate in an online survey, disseminated by the Singapore Society of Radiographers (SSR). The survey assessed the attitudes and perceptions of the respondents on the COVID-19 pandemic. The Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale was used to identify the respondents' life events closely related to the pandemic. Data collection took place from 5 July 2020 to 5 September 2020. RESULTS A total of 123 DR responded to the survey, where 89.4% of the respondents had been involved in the imaging of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. Those performing General Radiography had the highest number of cases - 300 cases a month. The fear of transmitting COVID-19 to their family presented as the primary stressor (77.2%), followed by the lack of manpower (73.2%). The global themes that emerged from the study were (1) adapting to change and (2) quality of support. CONCLUSION Radiology departments in Singapore were able to cope with the high demands of the pandemic in terms of the provision of information, supplies, and physical equipment. However, they were less prepared to handle human factors such as mental health and staff morale. The safety and well-being of staff should not be compromised to reduce staff anxiety while performing their duties. Strategies to improve their ability to adapt to changes and provision of quality support are necessary measures in future pandemic situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mohamed Afif
- Radiography Department, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
| | - H Abdul Razak
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - AWD Choong
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, Singapore
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Tarraso J, Safont B, Carbonell-Asins JA, Fernandez-Fabrellas E, Sancho-Chust JN, Naval E, Amat B, Herrera S, Ros JA, Soler-Cataluña JJ, Rodriguez-Portal JA, Andreu AL, Marín M, Rodriguez-Hermosa JL, Gonzalez-Villaescusa C, Soriano JB, Signes-Costa J. Lung function and radiological findings 1 year after COVID-19: a prospective follow-up. Respir Res 2022; 23:242. [PMID: 36096801 PMCID: PMC9466319 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02166-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has already affected more than 400 million people, with increasing numbers of survivors. These data indicate that a myriad of people may be affected by pulmonary sequelae of the infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate pulmonary sequelae in patients with bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia according to severity 1 year after hospital discharge. METHODS COVID-FIBROTIC is a multicenter prospective observational cohort study for admitted patients with bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia. Pulmonary functional outcomes and chest computed tomography sequelae were analyzed 12 months after hospital discharge and we classified patients into three groups according to severity. A post hoc analysis model was designed to establish how functional test changed between groups and over time. A multivariable logistic regression model was created to study prognostic factors for lung diffusion impairment and radiological fibrotic-like changes at 12 months. RESULTS Among 488 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, 284 patients had completed the entire evaluation at 12 months. Median age was 60.5 ± 11.9 and 55.3% were men. We found between-group differences in male sex, length of hospital stay, radiological involvement and inflammatory laboratory parameters. The functional evaluation of pulmonary sequelae showed that severe patients had statistically worse levels of lung diffusion at 2 months but no between group differences were found in subsequent controls. At 12-month follow up, however, we found impaired lung diffusion in 39.8% unrelated to severity. Radiological fibrotic-like changes at 12 months were reported in 22.7% of patients (102/448), only associated with radiological involvement at admission (OR: 1.55, 95% CI 1.06-2.38; p = 0.02) and LDH (OR: 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99; p = 0.046). CONCLUSION Our data suggest that a significant percentage of individuals would develop pulmonary sequelae after COVID 19 pneumonia, regardless of severity of the acute process. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov NCT04409275 (June 1, 2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Tarraso
- Pulmonary Department, Hospital Clinico, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Belen Safont
- Pulmonary Department, Hospital Clinico, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Elsa Naval
- Pulmonary Department, Hospital La Ribera, Alzira, Valencia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Amat
- Pulmonary Department, Hospital Vinalopo de Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Susana Herrera
- Pulmonary Department, Hospital Dr Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - José A Ros
- Pulmonary Department, Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Ada L Andreu
- Pulmonary Department, Hospital los Arcos, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Joan B Soriano
- Pulmonary Department, Hospital La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
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Bernatz S, Afat S, Othman AE, Nikolaou K, Sieren M, Sähn MJ, Pinto Dos Santos D, Penzkofer T, Bucher AM, Hamm B, Vogl TJ, Bodelle B. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Radiology in Inpatient and Outpatient Care in Germany: A Nationwide Survey Regarding the First and Second Wave. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2021; 194:70-82. [PMID: 34649286 DOI: 10.1055/a-1586-3278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Bernatz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Saif Afat
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ahmed E Othman
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Malte Sieren
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | | | - Tobias Penzkofer
- Department of Radiology, Charité Medical Faculty Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Michael Bucher
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Bernd Hamm
- Department of Radiology, Charité Medical Faculty Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas J Vogl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Boris Bodelle
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Jang B, Facchini D, Staib L, Fernandez A, Pye S, Goodman RT, Granucci C, Nardecchia N, Pahade JK. Creating a Radiology Call Center Hotline and "HOT" Sites: Centralizing Radiology Questions and Cohorting Out-patient Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2021; 50:665-668. [PMID: 33036812 PMCID: PMC7519410 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2020.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amidst COVID-19 crisis, confusion exists over current radiology operations due to influx of new data and new protocols. In order to decrease confusion and reduce imaging facility related COVID-19 transmissions, we created a dedicated radiology COVID-19 call center and dedicated out-patient COVID-19 imaging sites (referred to "HOT" sites). MATERIALS AND METHODS We created a central radiology call center hotline, staffed by our radiology technologists, to answer all radiology questions related to COVID-19 and help with scheduling exams. All out-patient x-ray exams became mandatory to schedule through the call center so proper COVID-19 screening could occur. If positive for COVID-19 symptoms, they are sent to "HOT" sites. Various statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS A total of 2548 calls were received over 7 weeks with linear increase in calls during this period (R 2 = 0.17, P = 0.003). Most common reasons for calling were related to scheduling (n = 2336, 92%) and radiology operations (n = 145, 6%). At our main "HOT" site, from a total of 371 separate patient encounters by date of study, 72 patient encounters (19%) were COVID-19 positive at time of exam. DISCUSSION This project provides efficient and reassuring radiology operations during an emergency situation by providing a single reliable point of contact and a source of truth for all facets of radiology. In doing so, we facilitate high quality patient centered care while protecting the health of our patients and staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Jang
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510.
| | - David Facchini
- Yale New Haven Hospital, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, 20 York Street, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Lawrence Staib
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Alison Fernandez
- Yale New Haven Hospital, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, 20 York Street, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Shannon Pye
- Yale New Haven Hospital, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, 20 York Street, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Rob T Goodman
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Cheryl Granucci
- Yale New Haven Hospital, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, 20 York Street, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Nicole Nardecchia
- Yale New Haven Hospital, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, 20 York Street, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Jay K Pahade
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510
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Anand SV, Shuy YK, Lee PSS, Lee ES. One Year on: An Overview of Singapore's Response to COVID-19-What We Did, How We Fared, How We Can Move Forward. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9125. [PMID: 34501718 PMCID: PMC8431401 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background-One year has passed since the first COVID-19 case in Singapore. This scoping review commemorates Singaporean researchers that have expanded the knowledge on this novel virus. We aim to provide an overview of healthcare-related articles published in peer-reviewed journals, authored by the Singapore research community about COVID-19 during the first year of the pandemic. Methods-This was reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) protocol. It included healthcare-related articles about COVID-19 published between 23 January 2020 and 22 January 2021 with a Singapore-affiliated author. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and local journals were searched. The articles were screened independently by two reviewers. Results-The review included 504 articles. Most of the articles narrated the changes to hospital practice (210), while articles on COVID-19 pathology (94) formed most of the non-narrative papers. Publications on public health (61) and the indirect impacts to clinical outcomes (45) were other major themes explored by the research community. The remaining articles detailed the psychological impact of the pandemic (35), adaptations of medical education (30), and narratives of events (14). Conclusion-Amidst a resurgence of community cases involving variant COVID-19 strains, the resources from the research community will provide valuable guidance to navigate these uncertain times.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vivek Anand
- Ministry of Health Holdings, Singapore 099253, Singapore;
| | - Yao Kang Shuy
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308207, Singapore;
| | - Poay Sian Sabrina Lee
- Clinical Research Unit, National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore 138543, Singapore;
| | - Eng Sing Lee
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308207, Singapore;
- Clinical Research Unit, National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore 138543, Singapore;
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Tay YX, Kothan S, Kada S, Cai S, Lai CWK. Challenges and optimization strategies in medical imaging service delivery during COVID-19. World J Radiol 2021; 13:102-121. [PMID: 34141091 PMCID: PMC8188837 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v13.i5.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), medical imaging plays an essential role in the diagnosis, management and disease progression surveillance. Chest radiography and computed tomography are commonly used imaging techniques globally during this pandemic. As the pandemic continues to unfold, many healthcare systems worldwide struggle to balance the heavy strain due to overwhelming demand for healthcare resources. Changes are required across the entire healthcare system and medical imaging departments are no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on medical imaging practices. It is now time to pay further attention to the profound challenges of COVID-19 on medical imaging services and develop effective strategies to get ahead of the crisis. Additionally, preparation for operations and survival in the post-pandemic future are necessary considerations. This review aims to comprehensively examine the challenges and optimization of delivering medical imaging services in relation to the current COVID-19 global pandemic, including the role of medical imaging during these challenging times and potential future directions post-COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xiang Tay
- Radiography Department, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
| | - Suchart Kothan
- Center of Radiation Research and Medical Imaging, Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
| | - Sundaran Kada
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen Postbox 7030, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Sihui Cai
- Radiography Department, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
| | - Christopher Wai Keung Lai
- Department of Health and Social Sciences, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore
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Salem Salamh AB, Salamah AA, Akyüz HI. A Study of a New Technique of the CT Scan View and Disease Classification Protocol Based on Level Challenges in Cases of Coronavirus Disease. Radiol Res Pract 2021; 2021:5554408. [PMID: 33791127 PMCID: PMC7996048 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5554408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The chest Computer Tomography (CT scan) is used in the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is an important complement to the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test. The paper aims to improve the radiological diagnosis in the case of coronavirus disease COVID-19 pneumonia on forms of noninvasive approaches with conventional and high-resolution computer tomography (HRCT) scan images upon chest CT images of patients confirmed with mild to severe findings. The preliminary study is to compare the radiological findings of COVID-19 pneumonia in conventional chest CT images with images processed by a new tool and reviewed by expert radiologists. The researchers used a new filter called Golden Key Tool (GK-Tool) which has confirmed the improvement in the quality and diagnostic efficacy of images acquired using our modified images. Further, Convolution Neural Networks (CNNs) architecture called VGG face was used to classify chest CT images. The classification has been performed by using VGG face on various datasets which are considered as a protocol to diagnose COVID-19, Non-COVID-19 (other lung diseases), and normal cases (no findings on chest CT). Accordingly, the performance evaluation of the GK-Tool was fairly good as shown in the first set of results, where 80-95% of participants show a good to excellent assessment of the new images view in the case of COVID-19 patients. The results, in general, illustrate good recognition rates in the diagnosis and, therefore, would be significantly higher in normal cases with COVID-19. These results could reduce the radiologist's workload burden and play a major role in the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed B. Salem Salamh
- Institute of Science, Material Science and Engineering, Kastamonu University, Kuzey Kent /P.O. Box, 37150, Kastamonu, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | | | - Halil Ibrahim Akyüz
- Computer and Teaching Technologies Education, Kastamonu University, Kuzey Kent /P.O. Box, 37150, Kastamonu, Kastamonu, Turkey
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Low HM, Low E, Lee CH. TTSH and NCID Radiology Services in COVID-19. ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2021. [PMID: 33381787 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2020219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hsien Min Low
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
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Azam SA, Myers L, Fields BKK, Demirjian NL, Patel D, Roberge E, Gholamrezanezhad A, Reddy S. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: Review of guidelines for resuming non-urgent imaging and procedures in radiology during Phase II. Clin Imaging 2020; 67:30-36. [PMID: 32512479 PMCID: PMC7832709 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2020.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Since the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was designated as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, health care systems have been forced to adapt rapidly to defer less urgent care during the crisis. The United States (U.S.) has adopted a four-phase approach to decreasing and then resuming non-essential work. Through strong restrictive measures, Phase I slowed the spread of disease, allowing states to safely diagnose, isolate, and treat patients with COVID-19. In support of social distancing measures, non-urgent studies were postponed, and this created a backlog. Now, as states transition to Phase II, restrictions on non-essential activities will ease, and radiology departments must re-establish care while continuing to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission all while accommodating this backlog. In this article, we propose a roadmap that incorporates the current practice guidelines and subject matter consensus statements for the phased reopening of non-urgent and elective radiology services. This roadmap will focus on operationalizing these recommendations for patient care and workforce management. Tiered systems are proposed for the prioritization of elective procedures, with physician-to-physician communication encouraged. Infection control methods, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), and physical distancing measures are highlighted. Finally, changes in hours of operation, hiring strategies, and remote reading services are discussed for their potential to ease the transition to normal operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif A Azam
- Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, United States of America
| | - Lee Myers
- Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, United States of America; Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Brandon K K Fields
- Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, United States of America
| | - Natalie L Demirjian
- Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, United States of America; Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Dakshesh Patel
- Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, United States of America; Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Eric Roberge
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431, United States of America
| | - Ali Gholamrezanezhad
- Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, United States of America; Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Sravanthi Reddy
- Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, United States of America; Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America.
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Tay KH, Ooi CC, Mahmood MIB, Aw LP, Chan LP, Ng DCE, Tan BS. Reconfiguring the radiology leadership team for crisis management during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large tertiary hospital in Singapore. Eur Radiol 2020; 31:468-474. [PMID: 32780206 PMCID: PMC7417845 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-07116-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak poses a serious public health risk. To date, the disease has affected almost all countries in the world. The enormous scale of the outbreak and the relative lack of knowledge and information regarding a new virus, as well as the unpredictability of events, make it challenging for leadership teams to respond. This paper shares how we have reconfigured our radiology leadership team into a smaller disease outbreak task force (DOTF) to respond and coordinate all related efforts during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The DOTF format is modelled after the military with domain groups looking at manpower, intelligence, operations, and logistics matters on a daily basis so that timely decisions can be made and action plans executed promptly. In managing the DOTF, discipline, flexibility, and teamwork are key principles, and these are built upon a strong foundation of focus on infection prevention and control, and patient and staff safety as well as staff well-being. The DOTF has positioned us well to confront the many challenges to date. We believe it will also help us navigate the complex issues that will arise with future surges in cases and in formulating strategies to manage exit from the present and future lockdowns. Key Points • In a pandemic, regular and directed meetings by a smaller leadership core group are required, for prompt decision making and execution of action plans. • The military format, with domain groups to look at manpower, intelligence, operations, and logistics matters, is useful in managing a pandemic. • Discipline, flexibility, and teamwork with strong focus on infection prevention and control, and patient and staff safety as well as staff well-being are key principles for leadership teams managing a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiang Hiong Tay
- Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Division of Radiological Sciences, Singapore General Hospital, Block 2 level 1, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore. .,Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
| | - Chin Chin Ooi
- Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.,Radiography Unit, Division of Radiological Sciences, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Muhammad Illyyas Bin Mahmood
- Radiography Unit, Division of Radiological Sciences, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Lian Ping Aw
- Radiography Unit, Division of Radiological Sciences, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Lai Peng Chan
- Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.,Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Division of Radiological Sciences, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - David Chee Eng Ng
- Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.,Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Division of Radiological Sciences, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Bien Soo Tan
- Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Division of Radiological Sciences, Singapore General Hospital, Block 2 level 1, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
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