The initial impact of COVID-19 on Australasian sonographers part 2: Changes to sonographic examination protocols and access to personal protective equipment.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 brought with it the requirement for healthcare workers to limit community transmission of the virus as much as possible by limiting patient contact and wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This study aimed to capture the initial adaptations to sonographic examination protocols within ultrasound departments and sonographer access to PPE. METHODS: An online survey was used to gather data on sonographer reflections of sonographic examination protocol changes seen in their departments and access to PPE between the 11th of March 2020 and the 14th of June 2020. RESULTS: To reduce the time sonographers spent with the patients and hence reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, sonographers reported adjustments to sonographic examination protocols including their duration and scheduling. Access to PPE was reported as poor. CONCLUSION: Numerous sonographic examination protocol changes were observed within ultrasound departments in Australasia in the initial response to COVID-19. Access to PPE was varied along with sonographer feelings around the impact of these changes.