Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Radiology Departments around the World: World Federation of Pediatric Imaging COVID-19 Task Force Survey Results from Six Continents

Abstract

To investigate how COVID-19 has impacted pediatric radiology practice around the world at the present time. Materials and Methods This study was based on a survey conducted by the World Federation of Pediatric Imaging (WFPI) COVID-19 task force. Pediatric radiology representatives from countries around the world were identified and asked to complete an electronic survey consisting of 17 questions related to the impact of, concerns surrounding, and education related to COVID-19 on pediatric radiology. For each outcome variable, a pair of 2-way frequency tables was constructed: one against COVID-19 prevalence, and another against region. Tests of independence of the tables' row and column factors were performed based on Fisher's exact test and odds ratios (OR) were estimated via logistic regression models corresponding to these 2-way tables. Results The survey (response rate 87%, 72/83) comprised representatives from 71 countries and Hong Kong across 6 continents. 66/72 respondents (92%) indicated that COVID-19 has resulted in moderate (21/72, 29%), significant (36/72, 50%), or complete (9/72, 13%) change in radiology departments/practices in their countries. The two most frequent concerns over the next four months were personal/family health (54/72, 75%) and exposure (48/72, 67%). 79% (57/72) of respondents indicated some level of discomfort in identifying pediatric COVID-19 imaging I n p r e s s manifestations. Changes in resident education were reported by 68/72 (94%) respondents, and 22/72 (31%) were concerned that the likelihood of current trainees pursuing a career in pediatric radiology will be impacted. Conclusion COVID-19 has had a substantial negative impact on pediatric radiology practice around the world.

Imaging Appropriateness in Pediatric Radiology during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Comparison with No COVID-19 Period

“…The COVID-19 pandemic may be considered, as already for AIDS, as a tremendous experimentum naturae. As suggested by several authors, the pandemic had a relevant impact on healthcare services, which were reorganized to cope with the ongoing outbreak [1,15]. In this retrospective observational study, we explored the hypothesis that not only the locking down of the population was associated with a reduction of accidents and trauma [16]; but also that the pandemic induced a reduction of parental attitude to take their children and adolescents to the pED for evaluation of suspected or minimal trauma [17].…”

“…To reduce the spread of the pandemic, the Italian government progressively limited domestic mobility up to a complete 'lockdown' starting from 9 March, until 9 May 2020. People were allowed to leave their houses for very limited needs (mainly job or urgent medical needs) [1]. Therefore, urban circulation, as well as outdoor activities, were minimized, leading to an increase in children's sedentary home life with health's implications [2,3].…”

Comparison of chest radiography and chest CT for evaluation of pediatric COVID‐19 pneumonia: Does CT add diagnostic value?

“…1,2 This highly contagious, novel coronavirus infection is rapidly transmitted mainly via droplet inhalation, and has spread extensively among humans across many countries and continents throughout the world. 3 The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern. As of February 7, 2021, there have been 106,673,989 confirmed cases globally with 2,326,773 deaths.…”

Lung ultrasound for evaluation of pediatric COVID‐19 infection: What we already know, what we need to investigate now, and what we can expect in the future

“…Lung ultrasound for evaluation of pediatric COVID-19 infection: What we already know, what we need to investigate now, and what we can expect in the future Understanding of the underlying pathogenesis and clinical findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly evolving since its initial presentation as an outbreak of severe respiratory illness in Wuhan, Hubei province, China in December 2019. [1][2][3][4] Simultaneously, recognition of the characteristic imaging findings of acute COVID-19 infection in pediatric patients has been advancing substantially with various imaging modalities. To date, the majority of published investigations of the imaging findings of pediatric COVID-19 infection have focused on chest radiography (CXR) or computed tomography (CT) findings, because these are the most widely used and proven imaging modalities for evaluating lung disorders.…”

“…Understanding of the underlying pathogenesis and clinical findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is rapidly evolving since its initial presentation as an outbreak of severe respiratory illness in Wuhan, Hubei province, China in December 2019 1–4 . Simultaneously, recognition of the characteristic imaging findings of acute COVID‐19 infection in pediatric patients has been advancing substantially with various imaging modalities.…”