ISRRT_COVID-19_book

A member states that the group administrators have ‘risen to the challenge and have
developed a remarkably successful monthly Zoom meeting where we review difficult cases,
promote discussion and support each other’. They go on to say that the group has been
‘instrumental in developing the reporting radiographer community and ensuring we stay
connected through these difficult times. We are now almost a year into the pandemic, and
the presenter has not lost any enthusiasm or his seemingly endless energy’. Another member
says, ‘the opportunities the group has provided to me and others (particularly during the
current pandemic) have been second to none’. This is further supported by another
radiographer who says ‘through online meetings the group promotes discussion and dialogue,
helping to reduce, I believe, the potential feelings of isolation some radiographers might be
feeling right now’.
When discussing the redeployment of radiographers to other modalities to support skill mix
one ‘displaced’ radiographer felt that the sessions are ‘a really valuable resource to maintain
CPD commitments especially in the current climate. During the pandemic due to a variety of
reasons my reporting has been very limited so being able to attend the virtual meetings has
kept my brain engaged’.
E-learning has become common place with many educational opportunities available by
virtual delivery. When the CT head SIG started out online, education was emerging and the
group had very little experience of delivering content on-line. There were many different
delivery platforms available, yet the software would need to be accessible to all. This required
relatively low processing and internet connectivity levels. The group were mindful of users
not needing to download software. Security was also a consideration with the sensitive
content of the session. Although patient confidentiality would be maintained throughout the
meeting, users needed to discuss their personal experiences in a safe environment
surrounded by fellow professionals.
The group receive no funding or sponsorship and this allows us to remain impartial in our
approach. All resources that are created by the group are done so free of charge and the
contributing members all donate their time. As a consequence, all of the educational content
is offered to members at no charge. Without a monetary budget the platform selected
needed to be very cost effective. While Microsoft Teams® became widely available for the
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