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Impact of COVID-19 on Workload and Workflow in Echocardiography Unit in a Tertiary Care University Hospital: A
Mikhael Kossaify1, Hazar Kanj2, Christina Tarabay1
1Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, USEK University, Kaslik, Lebanon.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced echocardiography workload by 55.20% and altered unit workflow. This highlights the need for better preparedness against future health crises.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented global health challenge.
- Healthcare institutions and professionals faced immense pressure during the pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of COVID-19 on workload and workflow within an echocardiography unit.
- To compare echocardiography unit operations during the pandemic year versus the preceding year.
Main Methods:
- A single-center observational study was performed.
- Workload and workflow metrics from the COVID-19 year were analyzed and compared to the prior year.
Main Results:
- Echocardiography workload decreased substantially by 55.20%.
- Significant workflow modifications occurred, including protective measures, selective echo indications, altered echo patterns, reduced patient flow, reporting delays, and changes in training.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected echocardiography unit operations, marked by reduced workload and workflow shifts.
- Enhanced preparedness is crucial for healthcare systems, workers, and communities to manage future pandemics effectively.
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic is a new unexpected worldwide condition with a heavy burden on health-care institutions and health-care workers.
Objective:
We sought to examine the impact of COVID-19 on workload and workflow in the echocardiography unit in a tertiary care university hospital.
Methods:
We conducted a monocentric observational study, evaluating workload and workflow during the COVID-19 year relative to the previous year.
Results:
The findings show a substantial reduction in workload (55.20%) along with significant changes in workflow in the echocardiography unit during the pandemic. Changes in workflow involved measures implemented for protection, changes in echo indications which became more selective, changes in echo pattern, reduction in human flow in echocardiography laboratory, delays in reporting and archiving, and changes in training and teaching.
Conclusion:
COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on the echocardiography unit, with a significant reduction in workload and considerable changes in workflow. In the future, it is essential to be better prepared as individuals, health-care workers, health-care institutions, and the general community, to deal better with any potential "invisible enemy."
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