Adaptation of Workflow during COVID-19 Pandemic: a Malaysian Radiology Department’s Experience

Abstract

The rising demand of chest imaging during the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated adaptations to be made to the workflow in radiology departments, particularly in regard to personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines and operations protocol. The guidelines were implemented to reduce the risk of disease transmission to frontline radiology personnel. With the rising number of COVID cases in the community, suspected COVID patients may present to our hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) even though it is not a COVID-designated hospital. Patients who present to ED are stratified as Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases if they exhibit respiratory symptoms, and non-SARI for those without respiratory symptoms. Imaging examinations performed for SARI patients must adhere to the new workflow. Radiographers and doctors performing Computed Tomography (CT), ultrasound and mobile radiography who come in contact with SARI patients must don full PPE. Prior to mobilization of patients, the routes must be cleared, and the cleaning team will standby for terminal cleaning. For portable examinations, donning and doffing of PPE is done in the department. All appliances must be covered prior to examination and sanitized after. Guidelines for usage of common areas such as pantry and prayer room are also employed to avoid crowding and to maintain adequate physical distancing. Adherence to the new workflow and guidelines is imperative to prevent workplace transmission from patients or other healthcare workers.