Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of radiology healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Medical imaging is vital in the diagnostic workup and evaluation of patients suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19; hence, radiology healthcare workers (HCWs) were an essential part of the early containment response to the pandemic. Radiology services are facing rising demands to introduce stricter infection control measures, and staff are expected to adhere to the new protocols while coping with a surge in patients. Objectives: This study aims to identify the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (KAPs) of radiology HCWs at a single site with regard to workplace preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A 26-item questionnaire was conducted with radiographers, radiology nurses, and support staff who had direct patient contact. Questions were concerned with involvement in managing suspected or positive COVID-19 patients, knowledge of infection control measures, and attitudes and perceptions in relation to working during the pandemic. Results were analysed using t-tests, chi-square tests, and Spearman’s rank-order correlation, with statistical difference set at p<0.05. Results: Radiology HCWs self-reported significantly better knowledge of infection control measures and positive work attitudes. Those who had received the flu vaccine had significantly better perceptions of working during the pandemic. Suggested improvements included better organisational structure and more resources, better staff compliance and vigilance, better education, and a clearer focus on staff wellbeing. Conclusion: The findings indicate favourable KAPs among radiology HCWs in Singapore with regard to workplace preparedness during the pandemic, but efforts towards sustainability must be considered. Formulating policies to nurture motivated and resilient HCWs during a pandemic is advocated to foster a resilient workforce that is prepared for the next pandemic.

Impact of COVID-19 on service delivery in radiology and radiotherapy

“…However, Ooi et al caution that while extending radiography shifts to 12 h can be effective in the short-term, in the long-term this work pattern is likely to result in burnout. 17 Establishing remote working and training is vitally important at this time to enable radiographers who are isolating or shielding to continue to work from their home. However, only sixty-seven percent of radiographers surveyed felt that their department could facilitate remote working.…”

“…Elshami et al 16 reiterated this in their study of radiology workers (MayeJune 2020) in the Middle East, North Africa and India, their results indicating a workload increase specifically in general x-ray and Computed Tomography as these were the main modalities used for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and follow-up investigations. Further work by Ooi et al 17 suggested the need for better organisational structure, resources and education to help the workforce deal with these difficulties whilst Shanahan et al 18 highlighted the need for further strategies to support and enhance staff well-being during subsequent waves of the pandemic. The experience of the Diagnostic Radiography (DR) and TR workforce should be evaluated in order that effective service delivery can be maintained, not only for the ongoing and future waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also for future challenges presented by delayed treatments, late presenting disease, and staff shortages/burn-out.…”