The Impact of COVID-19 on Interventional Radiology Practice Worldwide: Results from a Global Survey

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on clinical practice and healthcare professionals. We aimed to assess how interventional radiology services (IR services) were impacted by the pandemic and describe adaptations to services and working patterns across the first two waves. Methods An anonymous six-part survey created using an online service was distributed as a single-use web link to 7125 members of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe via email. Out of 450 respondents, 327 who completed the survey at least partially including 278 who completed the full survey were included into the analysis. Results Interventional radiologists (IRs) reported that the overall workload decreased a lot (18%) or mildly (36%) or remained stable (29%), and research activities were often delayed (30% in most/all projects, 33% in some projects). Extreme concerns about the health of families, patients and general public were reported by 43%, 34% and 40%, respectively, and 29% reported having experienced significant stress (25% quite a bit; 23% somewhat). Compared to the first wave, significant differences were seen regarding changes to working patterns, effect on emergency work, outpatient and day-case services in the second wave. A total of 59% of respondents felt that their organisation was better prepared for a third wave. A total of 19% and 39% reported that the changes implemented would be continued or potentially continued on a long-term basis. Conclusion While the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected IR services in terms of workload, research activity and emotional burden, IRs seem to have improved the own perception of adaptation and preparation for further waves of the pandemic.

Status und Empfehlungen zur interventionell-radiologischen Versorgung bei COVID-19-PatientInnen

“…Die in Veröffentlichungen angegebene Reduktion der Interventionen in dieser Zeit reicht von 16 bis 62 % [ 7 , 17 , 27 ]. Dahingegen kam es während der intensiveren zweiten Welle – also zwischen Herbst 2020 und Januar 2021 – bereits zu einer geringer ausgeprägten Reduktion der Eingriffe in der interventionellen Radiologie, was an den gewonnenen Erkenntnissen aus der ersten Welle und den resultierenden Anpassungen liegen könnte [ 9 ]. Welche Auswirkungen diese Veränderungen auf die Versorgung und die längerfristige Prognose von PatientInnen hatten, ist bisher nur eingeschränkt abzuschätzen.…”

The Role of Interventional Radiology and Management of an Angiography Suite in the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients: Single-Center, 2-Year Experience

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected the field of interventional radiology [ 18 ]. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the interventional radiology department has made many preparations and achieved significant achievements [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”