Radiology Workload Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Staff Redeployment

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Healthcare Management
• Pandemic Response

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic led to the deferral of nonurgent medical services.
• This study examines the impact of these deferrals on radiology workload.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify changes in total and subspecialty radiology workload during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To describe operational strategies implemented in response to shifting priorities.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study at a large academic medical center (February 3, 2020 - April 19, 2020).
• Defined baseline and post-intervention periods, analyzing radiology report volumes and relative value units (RVUs).
• Assessed changes across 11 subspecialty divisions and tracked employee reassignment.

Main Results:

• Overall radiology volume decreased by 60% (62,791 to 23,369 reports).
• Musculoskeletal, Breast, and Cardiovascular imaging saw >75% volume decrease; Interventional Radiology had least disruption (29%).
• Total RVUs dropped 60%, with significant decreases in both outpatient and inpatient volumes; 21.8% of staff were reassigned.

Conclusions:

• Radiology workload reductions during COVID-19 varied significantly by subspecialty.
• Data-driven operational decisions aided workflow and staffing adjustments.
• Healthcare systems require ongoing adjustments for a "new normal" operating environment.