Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Radiology Departments Around the World: WFPI COVID-19 Task Force Survey Results from 6 Continents

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate how COVID-19 has impacted pediatric radiology practice around the world at the present time.

Materials and methods: This study was based on a survey conducted by the World Federation of Pediatric Imaging (WFPI) COVID-19 task force. Pediatric radiology representatives from countries around the world were identified and asked to complete an electronic survey consisting of 17 questions related to the impact of, concerns surrounding, and education related to COVID-19 on pediatric radiology. For each outcome variable, a pair of 2-way frequency tables was constructed: one against COVID-19 prevalence, and another against region. Tests of independence of the tables' row and column factors were performed based on Fisher's exact test and odds ratios (OR) were estimated via logistic regression models corresponding to these 2-way tables.

Results: The survey (response rate 87%, 72/83) comprised representatives from 71 countries and Hong Kong across 6 continents. 66/72 respondents (92%) indicated that COVID-19 has resulted in moderate (21/72, 29%), significant (36/72, 50%), or complete (9/72, 13%) change in radiology departments/practices in their countries. The two most frequent concerns over the next four months were personal/family health (54/72, 75%) and exposure (48/72, 67%). 79% (57/72) of respondents indicated some level of discomfort in identifying pediatric COVID-19 imaging manifestations. Changes in resident education were reported by 68/72 (94%) respondents, and 22/72 (31%) were concerned that the likelihood of current trainees pursuing a career in pediatric radiology will be impacted.

Conclusion: COVID-19 has had a substantial negative impact on pediatric radiology practice around the world.

Figure 1-

Respondent countries illustrated on a world map Those who reported high prevalence regions are depicted in red and reported low prevalence regions are shown in blue. Both countries with representatives that did not complete the survey and those not surveyed are shown in gray.

Figure 2-

A graphical representation of the reported perceived impact of COVID-19 on radiology departments / practices in representatives’ countries.

Figure 3-

Reported comfort with interpreting the imaging manifestations of pediatric COVID-19 in representatives’ countries.

Figure 4-

Reported changes in radiology resident education in representatives’ countries.

Figure 5-

Perceived likelihood that changes related to COVID-19 will impact the decision of current radiology trainees to pursue a career in pediatric radiology.