How has COVID-19 impacted your work?

Recent Canada-wide survey by Bayer on the impact of COVID-19 on computerized tomography (CT) scans shows decrease in outpatient volumes and increases in ER scanning, administrative work, and cleaning and disinfecting requirements

A recent Canada-wide survey administered by Bayer Inc. on the impact of COVID-19 on computerized tomography (CT) scans, in market July 2020, has shown CT techs are feeling the effects of the impacts and additional safety measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey, which included responses from 39 CT technologists across the country, looked to assess the overall impact of COVID-19 on morale, patient volumes, workflow and procedures from the front lines.

Outpatient volumes ↓, ER scanning ↑

Forty-four per cent of respondents noted an overall decrease in the number of outpatients being scanned since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, while 34% reported an increase. The remaining 25% of respondents reported no change.

Conversely, 41% of respondents reported an increase in inpatient volumes. Twenty-one per cent reported a decrease while 38% claimed there was no change.

Increased administration and disinfecting measures impacting morale and overall well-being

From increased personal protective equipment (PPE), to enhanced disinfection measures and new patient screening requirements, CT techs are feeling the impacts of COVID-19.

Forty-seven per cent of respondents reported increased cleaning and disinfecting between patients as the single biggest pain point in daily CT activities. This was followed by overall stress, fear and mental well-being brought on by the prospect of contracting the virus (38%), and wearing PPE/masks for extended periods of time.

Adapting to new protocols

In a follow-up question related to new COVID-19 safety protocols, 31% of techs believed the new protocols would be here to stay post-pandemic, while another 63% believed that at least some of the new protocols will be here to stay.

That means it is up to all partners, from CT techs to radiology equipment, supply, and service companies such as Bayer to find new ways to ensure the safety of patients, while decreasing inefficiencies and improving and streamlining processes. For Bayer, that means partnering to provide support in the form of new educational resources for patients so they are better prepared and understand processes prior to arriving for their scans, improved software to help address the increased administrative burden, and continuing to provide clinical support to ensure optimal system use.