COVID-19 outbreak impact on health professionals: A survey on the Italian radiographer experience

To evaluate the impact of the Phase 1 COVID-19 (C19) outbreak on Italian Radiographers.

COVID-19 has spread rapidly worldwide. Many patients underwent radiological examinations, leading to a high risk of infection within the radiology department's staff. Italy was the first-hit European country to face the COVID-19 outbreak and the impact on radiographers was huge. An online survey was disseminated to investigate the involvement and working environment of Italian radiographers during the first outbreak of COVID-19.

Of the 840 responders, 65% were men. The majority of the responding Health-care Workers (HCW) was represented by radiographers (96%), from high-prevalence regions (82%; p<.05). Forty-five percent were involved in the activation of the protocol for the management of COVID-19 positive patients, without exhaustive indication for Plain Radiography and Computed Tomography (CT). Only 17% of hospitals counted on available guidelines for serious infections (p<0.05). Diagnostic examinations were mainly performed by a single radiographer (62%). Many professionals (69%) confirmed wearing all indispensable PPE in case of COVID-19 positive patients.

The primary objective of management strategies should be to redact standardized policies for the safeguarding of patient's health and operator's safety. All front-line workers, including radiographers working in diagnostic services, should be involved in the decision-making process to generate wellness and awareness.