COVID‐19: Current and future crisis planning in breast imaging

Gerlach, Karen E.; Phalak, Kanchan; Patel, Miral; Leung, Jessica W.T.

doi:10.1111/tbj.13962

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Although breast imaging experienced the most significant reduction in patient volume during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, other breast care services such as breast surgery and genetic counseling were also significantly impacted ( 24 ). Therefore, recovery of operations and efforts to mitigate the impact of delayed breast care should be undertaken in a multidisciplinary fashion ( 25 ). For instance, increasing the use of non-wire localization to queue patients for surgery may alleviate the bottleneck of preoperative surgical patients and thus reduce further delays in treatment during what is likely to be a prolonged recovery phase.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Lack of physical distancing efforts by a large number of practices may be due to limited spacing or operational costs related to extending or changing work hours. Physical distancing recommendations are likely to last many months to years and are a vital factor in planning for recovery ( 25 ). Finding more creative and semipermanent ways to maximize physical distancing are needed.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Dodelzon

Grimm

Tran

et al. 2021

Journal of Breast Imaging

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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-squared 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=.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%). Significantly higher proportion of practices in the Northeast (95%; 104/109) initiated patient scheduling changes, compared to other regions (p=.004). Conclusions 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 amidst the ongoing and geographically shifting COVID-19 pandemic.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Dodelzon

Grimm

Tran

et al. 2021

Journal of Breast Imaging

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The abrupt and significant reduction in imaging volume coupled with concurrent revenue losses experienced during the pandemic have caused medical institutions and radiology practices across the nation to make difficult staffing, clinical, and financial adaptations. 6,[8][9][10]14,15 Outpatient radiology centers offering screening exams appear to be the most vulnerable. 6,9 Recovery is occurring but is slow and delayed with no definite timeframe as to when radiology groups will fully recover.…”

Section: Challenge # 1: Job Security and Future Practice Growthmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19: A call for mentorship in radiology

Perry

Parikh

2021

Clinical Imaging

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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.

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Adaptations of Breast Imaging Centers to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of California and Texas

Chalfant

Cohen

Leung

et al. 2021

Journal of Breast Imaging

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Objectives To determine the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast imaging centers in California and Texas and compare regional differences. Methods An 11-item survey was emailed to American College of Radiology accredited breast imaging facilities in California and Texas in August 2020. A question subset addressed March-April government restrictions on elective services (“during the shutdown” and “after reopening”). Comparisons were made between states with chi-square and Fisher’s tests, and time frames with McNemar’s and paired t-tests. Results There were 54 respondents (54/240, 23%, 26 California, 28 Texas). Imaging volumes fell during the shutdown and remained below pre-pandemic levels after reopening, with reduction in screening greatest (ultrasound 12% of baseline, mammography 13%, MRI 23%), followed by diagnostic MRI (43%), procedures (44%), and diagnostics (45%). California reported higher volumes during the shutdown (procedures, MRI) and after reopening (diagnostics, procedures, MRI) versus Texas (P = 0.001 - 0.02). Most screened patients (52/54, 96% symptoms and 42/54, 78% temperatures), and 100% (53/53) modified check-in and check-out. Reading rooms or physician work were altered for social distancing (31/54, 57%). Physician mask (45/48, 94%), gown (15/48, 31%), eye wear (22/48, 46%), and face shield (22/48, 46%) use during procedures increased after reopening versus pre-pandemic (P < 0.001 - 0.03). Physician (47/54, 87%) and staff (45/53, 85%) financial impacts were common, but none reported terminations. Conclusion Breast imaging volumes during the early pandemic fell more severely in Texas than in California. Safety measures and financial impacts on physicians and staff were similar in both states.

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COVID‐19: Current and future crisis planning in breast imaging

Cited by 3 publications

References 4 publications

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

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

COVID-19: A call for mentorship in radiology

Adaptations of Breast Imaging Centers to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of California and Texas

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