The impact of COVID-19 upon student radiographers and clinical training

Abstract

Introduction To investigate student clinical placement concerns and opinions, during the initial COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and to inform educational institution support planning. Methods Between mid-June to mid-July 2020, educational institutions from 12 countries were invited to participate in an online survey designed to gain student radiographer opinion from a wide geographical spread and countries with varying levels of COVID-19 cases. Results 1277 respondents participated, of these 592 had completed clinical placements during January to June 2020. Accommodation and cohabiting risks were identified as challenging, as was isolation from family, travel to clinical placements, and to a lesser extent childcare. Students stated they had been affected by the feeling of isolation and concerns about the virus whilst on placement. Overall 35.4% of all respondents were ‘Not at all worried’ about being a radiographer, however, 64.6% expressed varying levels of concern and individual domestic or health situations significantly impacted responses (p ≤ 0.05). Year 4 students and recent graduates were significantly more likely to be ‘Not worried at all’ compared to Year 2 and 3 students (p ≤ 0.05). The need for improved communication regarding clinical placements scheduling was identified as almost 50% of students on clinical placements between January to June 2020 identified the completion of assessments as challenging. Furthermore, only 66% of respondents with COVID-19 imaging experience stated being confident with personal protective equipment (PPE) use. Conclusion Student radiographers identified key challenges which require consideration to ensure appropriate measures are in place to support their ongoing needs. Importantly PPE training is required before placement regardless of prior COVID-19 imaging experience. Implications for practice As the next academic year commences, the study findings identify important matters to be considered by education institutions with responsibility for Radiography training and as students commence clinical placements during the on-going global COVID-19 pandemic.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health and work morale of radiographers within a conventional X-ray department

“…4,15 Although HCP's are highly resilient people who are used to dealing with difficult and sometimes traumatic situations, staff were concerned about contracting COVID-19, and the associated risk of infecting family, friends and colleagues. Isolation from family, childcare struggles, misinformation and lack of information have all affected staff 2,4,6,8 and the relentless media coverage meant staff struggled to escape even when off-shift. A number of other factors leading to increased stress and anxiety were identified in the literature; including a perceived or genuine lack of appropriate PPE, insufficient training, a lack of/conflicting information regarding cleaning regimes, ever-changing policies and procedures and a perceived lack of support systems.…”

“…A number of other factors leading to increased stress and anxiety were identified in the literature; including a perceived or genuine lack of appropriate PPE, insufficient training, a lack of/conflicting information regarding cleaning regimes, ever-changing policies and procedures and a perceived lack of support systems. 4,6,8,10 Radiographers worldwide have expressed feelings of sadness, confusion, stress, frustration and exhaustion and have felt the need to seek professional help. 4,5,6 Results of our study show 50% of respondents felt extreme or significant pressure in the workplace and 25% stated that the pandemic had significantly or extremely affected their morale.…”

“…The effects of COVID-19 on radiographers in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia has been widely documented in the literature 2e7 however most of the literature from the UK (United Kingdom) has centred around the effects on student radiographers and the effect on teaching. 8,9 We now know severe symptoms affect a small proportion of individuals, namely the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. However in the early days of the pandemic there was a perceived lack of information, as well as misinformation.…”

Challenges and optimization strategies in medical imaging service delivery during COVID-19

“…The COVID-19 pandemic had also highlighted the importance of academic institutions in raising the pandemic readiness of students. Rainford et al [ 147 ] identified that radiography students might not be fully confident in using PPE and suggested that practical training sessions be conducted before their placement—an approach that a Singapore academic institution adopted[ 123 ]. New norms of teaching HCPs have also been suggested by many authors ranging from virtual teaching[ 148 , 149 ], adoption of technology-based platforms[ 150 , 151 ], simulation and virtual reality[ 152 , 153 ].…”

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on radiology residents in Northern Italy

“…First, they could be concerned to be infected and/or fear to expose their loved ones to the risk of illness. Indeed, a recent paper by Rainford et al showed that 87.8% of student radiographers fear the risk of infecting their families [10]. Such concern could be worsened by shortage or misuse of personal protective equipment (PPE) [8].…”