Abstract
BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented effect upon the National Health Service (NHS). Like other specialties, Interventional Radiology (IR) rapidly adapted to the evolving situation. Members of BSIR were surveyed to obtain a snapshot of the experiences of UK IRs in response to COVID-19.An electronic survey was compiled using Google Forms, approved by the BSIR Council Officers and distributed to BSIR members by email on 18 th April 2020. A total of 228 responses were received. The survey was open for a 14-day period and the data analysed in Microsoft Excel 365. The response rate was 29% (228/800).ResultsTwo thirds of respondents work in a Tertiary unit and 33% deliver IR in a District Hospital. 84% have a day-case facility. After the COVID-19 crisis, 81% of respondents were able to maintain 24–7 On-call service. 59% of respondents had been required change their day to day practice to allow the on-call service to continue. 55% of respondents were involved in providing a central line service. Of those questioned, 91% continued to offer endovascular services, 98% genitourinary and 92% hepatobiliary services, although a degree of service reduction was described. 38% have provided IR trainees with additional training material during this pandemic.ConclusionsThis survey has confirmed that the responses of UK IR departments to the COVID-19 crisis have ensured vital on-call and urgent services have continued, including ongoing availability of most IR sub-specialties. Availability of a day case facility has possibly influenced the positive response.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented effect upon the National Health Service (NHS)
In order to obtain a snapshot of the responses of UK Interventional Radiologists, members of the British Society of Interventional Radiology (BSIR) were surveyed about
The survey was open for a 14-day period and the data analysed in Microsoft Excel 365
Summary
Two thirds of respondents (66%) work in a Tertiary referral centre with 33% delivering IR in a District General Hospital (Fig. 1). The majority (84%) of those surveyed were active in the delivery of an Interventional On-call service, 24 h per day, and similar percentage (84%) have a day-case facility in their hospital (Fig. 3). Fifty nine percent reported making changes to their normal day to day practice to allow the 24/7 service to continue during the COVID-19 crisis. Several respondents offered the service to Intensive Care departments and or Nightingale temporary field hospitals, but the latter facility had not been utilized at the time of the survey. Of those questioned, 91% are still offering endovascular services and 98% of Genitourinary IR services. 38% of respondents provided IR trainees with additional training material during this crisis either in on-line learning material or with practical hands on training
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