ISRRT_COVID-19_book

As radiographers, we are one of the first lines of health professionals that require regular
contact with suspected, probable, or confirmed COVID-19 patient presenting with respiratory
symptoms requiring imaging. As such, radiographers are more predisposed to the COVID-19
virus. This has naturally heightened the radiographers’ fear and anxiety level and is more so
with information and control strategies frequently evolving as new evidence becomes known
on the virus.
Role of medical imaging and services: breaking the boundaries
Imaging plays a critical role in COVID-19 patient management. Imaging examinations, typically
chest X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest are essential in assessing the
severity and progression of COVID-19. When medical imaging is required, radiographers play
a vital role in performing and producing optimum quality images to assist decision making in
the clinical diagnosis, management, and treatment of COVID-19 patients.
One of the most significant challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic was the high
demand for imaging requests, particularly mobile radiography performed on the designated
COVID-19 wards. Fortunately, the digital mobile radiography units available facilitated
increased workflow efficiency, with increased patient throughput and streamlined mobile
radiography operations throughout the hospital. Besides performing chest radiographs in the
emergency departments and wards, we performed mobile radiography in the forensic
department as well to those who were brought in deceased. In addition, there were marked
increase in the requests of CT chest as well, thus warranting strict adherence to Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs), such as appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
with proper donning and doffing by radiographers and other multi-disciplinary staff to reduce
risk the spread of the virus. As such, the TFC was in close communication and discussions with
the hospital Infection Control Team (ICT) to determine the list of PPEs that should be worn
with correct donning and doffing methods to reduce the potential risk exposures.
Challenges and changes in medical imaging service delivery
Radiographers play a major role in imaging service delivery. As such, they are not spared from
facing the changes and challenges in battling the COVID-19 pandemic. In terms of
preparedness to face the new situation, changes were implemented to existing work
processes, including screening and scanning body temperature of each patient prior to the
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