Adaptation and development of IR services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: preliminary results of a focused survey

Purpose: The cyclic nature of active and recovery phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, has demanded fast adaptations and preparation for health care workers world-wide. We aimed to assess how interventional radiologists are handling the pandemic during active and recovery phases with regard to work and team structures, as well as mental health and how the pandemic could have increased the awareness of minimally-invasive therapies as alternatives to postponements of non-urgent procedures. Material and methods: 7125 CIRSE members were invited to participate. For this interim report, responses were collected between 23 November 2021 and 17 December 2021. Results: 114 responses were obtained for this preliminary report, of which 102 were complete. 94% (n=99) of respondents were interventional radiology specialists. Most respondents reported having established a routine to handle different waves of the pandemic (89.5%;n=102). Compared to active phases, fewer respondents indicated at least one pandemic-associated measure in their department during recovery phases (46%-71% vs 13%). 56% reported an increase in ambulatory care patients either during active and/or recovery phases. 54% reported more referrals during active and/or recovery phases. 25% reported increased hours at the hospital during recovery phases, 52% indicated increased sick leave, care leave, quarantine, and burn-out of team members and only 39% reported to get enough time to rest during recovery phases. Conclusion: While the COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to burden IR departments and the mental health of IRs, more than half of respondents reported an increase in referrals for minimally-invasive therapies and ambulatory care.

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

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.

Development of an in-house electronic ureteric stent register- highlighting benefits to patients and the urology service

Introduction: Ureteric stenting is common among urologists, interventional radiologists (IR) and transplant surgeons. 'Forgotten stents' could result in encrustation, sepsis and kidney loss;hence justification for ureteric stent registers. The few existing registers are limited by data protection issues or heavy reliance on paper trails, emails or SMS. We therefore developed an electronic ureteric stent register locally and aim to share our experience and highlight benefits of this innovation. Materials and Methods: Our IT department collaborated with urology and IR departments to develop the register using the 'ImageNow software'. There are no running costs, and it links directly into our hospital's clinical information system. Clinicians enter stents on the register at time of placement while our nurse practitioner team micro-manage and update the register. Results: About 1800 stents have been entered on the register from April 2015 till date, with all fully accounted for. Patients at high risk of a 'forgotten stent' from our experience are those with multiple comorbidities and difficulty fitting stent appointments around many other ongoing treatments;those with poor compliance from self-neglect or mental health issues;individuals who relocate away from the region and those who choose to leave the NHS for private medical care without proper documentation. Conclusions: An in-house electronic register is a feasible and effective means of tracking ureteric stents while avoiding data protection problems and other concerns. IT-units in other UK Trusts could replicate similar platforms especially with ongoing pressures on the NHS such as from the COVID-19 pandemic.