Early experiences of radiographers in Ireland during the COVID-19 crisis

Abstract

Background Imaging is crucial for assessing the severity and progression of COVID-19. Radiographers are amongst the first-line health professionals that may be exposed to infected persons. This work describes the early experience of radiographers in Ireland to the impact of COVID-19 using two electronic surveys distributed 6 weeks apart. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results A total of 370 responded to the first survey and 276 the second, with all six Irish health regions represented. Three quarters of radiographers (77%) reported having adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) available to them. However, almost half of the radiographers were inadvertently exposed to COVID-19-positive patients without appropriate PPE, largely attributed to poor communication and testing. Anxiety levels while initially high, reduced substantially 6 weeks into the crisis period. However, obvious distress was noted amongst some respondents. Forty percent of radiographers reported burnout symptoms due to the COVID-19 crisis and 30% reported considering changing jobs or retiring since the COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusion Clear communication regarding changing protocols and importantly patients’ infectious status are essential to safeguard healthcare workers and to minimise unnecessary anxiety and distress. Attention is required to staff mental health including the identification of burnout symptoms to prevent long-term negative consequences of the pandemic on radiography services.

“We shouldn’t waste a good crisis”: the lived experience of working on the frontline through the first surge (and beyond) of COVID-19 in the UK and Ireland

“…Participants talked extensively about the emotional and psychological toll of the virus on their loved ones, their patients/clients, and on them personally. This finding corroborates other research that shows the negative impact of working on the frontline in terms of mental health, wellbeing, burnout, lowered resilience and posttraumatic stress (Ali et al, 2020;Foley et al, 2020;Kannampallil et al, 2020;Ruiz & Gibson, 2020;. In the present research, some participants expressed a lowered sense of optimism which, as previous research has shown, is a key predictor of emotional distress and less effective coping strategies (David et al, 2006).…”

Challenges and optimization strategies in medical imaging service delivery during COVID-19

“…It was reported that frontline HCPs like radiographers, who often had to take on the role of caring directly for patients with COVID-19 were at a higher-level risk of having severe mental health symptoms than those in secondary roles[ 76 ]. They had to work with the constant changing protocols with some reported to have inadvertent exposure to COVID-19 positive patients without suitable PPE — a result of poor communication[ 77 ]. Moreover, some radiographers experienced burnout as they were subjected to 12-hour shifts in order to meet the service needs and for team segregation[ 78 ].…”

“…As the pandemic continues to spread globally, clear communication with radiographers is necessary to ensure infection control[ 103 ]. If radiographers are communicated promptly regarding the health of the patient to be scanned, appropriate PPE can be worn in advance — avoiding repetition of miscommunication incidents that led to radiographers in Ireland[ 77 ] being exposed to COVID-19 positive patients without donning appropriate PPE. Moreover, such clear communication is crucial in ensuring that radiographers comply and perform self-monitoring for symptoms when exposed to positive cases[ 101 ].…”

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical radiography practice: A systematic literature review and recommendations for future services planning

“…7e14 Diagnostic imaging modalities employed for direct COVID-19 patient management (general X-ray [CXR] including mobile systems) and computed tomography (CT) were perceived to have been under increased procedural pressure while other elective/non-urgent diagnostic and screening services were paused in some settings globally. 7,9,10,15,16 Staff were reassigned to modalities with anticipated increase in pressure such as CXR and CT. 7,9,14 Worldwide, reports and experiences indicate that there has been extensive re-organisation within radiology and radiotherapy departments to conform with the COVID-19 guidelines to effectively manage the anticipated pandemic-related workload increases while keeping workflows safe. 1,16e19 In some settings, additional radiography practice modifications were required to reduce crossinfection, such as X-raying through room windows 20,72,73 with both the digital image receiver/cassette and mobile X-ray machine secured with layers of polythene sheets.…”