The radiology department in covid-19 pandemic: approach and outcome at a semi-urban tertiary hospital

ABSTRACT

There has been an increase in the exposure of radiology staff worldwide in the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. To prevent the spread of disease to the frontline radiology staff, different departments have instituted diverse preventive and precautionary measures. However, the adaptability of the plethora of interventions available for the prevention of disease transmission depends partly on the socio-economic capability of the affected setting. Objectives: To outline the approach and outcome of a radiology department in a resource-constrained setting at University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospitals (UNIMEDTH), Ondo State Nigeria, to the curtailment of disease transmission to the departmental staff. Materials and Methods: An observational report on the approach for curtailment of COVID-19 disease transmission to departmental staff and the outcome, at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospitals (UNIMEDTH), Ondo State Nigeria. The approach utilized in such resource-constrained setting was observed between April 2020 and April 2021. This was documented by taking notes and pictures and the outcome presented. Results: Eight cases of COVID-19 infection were recorded among 66 staff of the department. This is a case rate of 12.1%. Conclusion: Our modest preventive measures helped reduce patient-to-staff and inter-staff transmission of COVID-19 virus to the minimum.