Impact of COVID-19 on radiology training: Royal College of Radiologists Junior Radiologists Forum national survey.

AIM: To obtain a national snapshot of radiology trainees' experience during the first wave of the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 25-item questionnaire was disseminated to representatives from all training regions across the UK in July 2020. Each representative collated the collective experiences of trainees in their training programme in key domains, including redeployment, shielding, training, and teaching. RESULTS: Ninety-five percent (38 of 40) of representatives completed the questionnaire. Trainees in up to 76% of training programmes were redeployed to wards and some trainees were shielding in 81% of programmes. Only 27% of programmes enabled remote reporting for isolating or shielding trainees. Sixty-two percent of respondents felt their well-being needs were supported. There was an overall increase in the attendance, volume, and quality of teaching and training nationally due to improved accessibility via remote-learning methods. Significant challenges were described with reporting, interventional procedures, and multidisciplinary team meeting attendance, although 62% of programmes noted an increase in service provision. Less in-person feedback was reported with in-person training still deemed necessary for practical skills. The Royal College of Radiologists Junior Radiologists Forum webinars were well received by all trainees with continuation of the series recommended. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a clear impact on many areas of radiology training in the UK. Early strategies have been adopted to mitigate the challenges faced by trainees and opportunities for future improvement are highlighted.

Regional Mechanical Thrombectomy Imaging Protocol in Patients Presenting with Acute Ischemic Stroke during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chest CT is a rapid, useful additional screening tool for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in emergent procedures. We describe the feasibility and interim outcome of implementing a modified imaging algorithm for COVID-19 risk stratification across a regional network of primary stroke centers in the work-up of acute ischemic stroke referrals for time-critical mechanical thrombectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We undertook a retrospective review of 49 patients referred to the regional neuroscience unit for consideration of mechanical thrombectomy between April 14, 2020, and May 21, 2020. During this time, all referring units followed a standard imaging protocol that included a chest CT in addition to a head CT and CT angiogram to identify Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infective pulmonary changes. RESULTS: Overall, 2 patients had typical COVID-19 radiologic features and tested positive, while 7 patients had indeterminate imaging findings and tested negative. The others had normal or atypical changes and were not diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19. There was an overall sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 74.1%, negative predictive value of 100%, and positive predictive value of 22.2% when using chest CT to diagnose COVID-19 in comparison with the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test. The mean additional time and radiation dose incurred for the chest CT were 184 ± 65.5 seconds and 2.47 ± 1.03 mSv. Multiple cardiovascular and pulmonary incidental findings of clinical relevance were identified in our patient population. CONCLUSIONS: Chest CT provides a pragmatic, rapid additional tool for COVID-19 risk stratification among patients referred for mechanical thrombectomy. Its inclusion in a standardized regional stroke imaging protocol has enabled efficient use of hospital resources with minimal compromise or delay to the overall patient treatment schedule.