COVID-19 and Radiology Resident Imaging Volumes-Differential Impact by Resident Training Year and Imaging Modality

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted radiology departments and resident education.
• Social distancing and reduced imaging volumes impacted training.
• Differential effects on residents by training year and modality were unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on radiology resident imaging interpretation volumes.
• To analyze changes by training year and imaging modality.
• To inform residency program planning.

Main Methods:

• Curated signed radiology resident reports from pre- and intra-pandemic periods.
• Analyzed mean per resident case volumes and percent change by training level.
• Assessed changes in volume by imaging modality and calculated reassigned resident workdays.

Main Results:

• Overall resident imaging interpretation volume declined by 62.8%.
• First-year residents (R1s) experienced the largest decline (87.3%), followed by second-year residents (R2s) (64.3%).
• Mammography (92.0%), MRI (73.2%), and nuclear medicine (73.0%) showed the greatest volume decreases. 478 resident days were reassigned.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic markedly decreased radiology resident imaging interpretation volume, significantly impacting resident education.
• Decreased case interpretation and in-person teaching have profound implications for training.
• Understanding these differential decreases by training level is crucial for future residency program planning.