Challenges and optimization strategies in medical imaging service delivery during COVID-19
Yi Xiang Tay1, Suchart Kothan2, Sundaran Kada3
1Radiography Department, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted medical imaging services, necessitating strategic adjustments for current challenges and future resilience. This review examines these impacts and outlines optimization strategies for medical imaging during and after the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Public Health
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has profoundly affected global healthcare systems.
- Medical imaging, including chest radiography and computed tomography, is crucial for COVID-19 diagnosis, management, and surveillance.
- Healthcare systems face immense strain, requiring adaptations in medical imaging practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the challenges faced by medical imaging services due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To explore optimization strategies for delivering medical imaging services during the pandemic.
- To consider future directions for medical imaging post-COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes current literature and expert insights.
- It analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on medical imaging workflows and resources.
- It discusses adaptive strategies and future preparedness.
Main Results:
- The pandemic has caused significant disruptions to medical imaging practices worldwide.
- Effective strategies are needed to manage resource strain and maintain service delivery.
- Adapting to new operational models is essential for resilience.
Conclusions:
- Medical imaging departments must implement robust strategies to navigate the COVID-19 crisis.
- Proactive planning is crucial for ensuring the continuity and optimization of imaging services.
- Future preparedness will enhance the role of medical imaging in public health emergencies.
Abstract:
In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), medical imaging plays an essential role in the diagnosis, management and disease progression surveillance. Chest radiography and computed tomography are commonly used imaging techniques globally during this pandemic. As the pandemic continues to unfold, many healthcare systems worldwide struggle to balance the heavy strain due to overwhelming demand for healthcare resources. Changes are required across the entire healthcare system and medical imaging departments are no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on medical imaging practices. It is now time to pay further attention to the profound challenges of COVID-19 on medical imaging services and develop effective strategies to get ahead of the crisis. Additionally, preparation for operations and survival in the post-pandemic future are necessary considerations. This review aims to comprehensively examine the challenges and optimization of delivering medical imaging services in relation to the current COVID-19 global pandemic, including the role of medical imaging during these challenging times and potential future directions post-COVID-19.
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