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Source publication
Due to the contagious nature of the COVID-19 virus, healthcare workers are at a great risk of infection. Since medical imaging plays a significant part in the healthcare system and is often used in the diagnosis of potential COVID-19 patients, the radiology personnel are at a very high risk of becoming infected.
Purpose:
This study aims to assess...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... demographic data are shown in Table 1. Figure 1 shows the distribution of respondents according to their place of work. The most populous group worked in X-ray departments (54 participants (42.2%)), and the smallest group worked in ultrasound departments (four participants (3.1%)). ...
Similar publications
The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, emerged from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and has recently spread all over the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers struggle against this microscopic enemy due to their job responsibilities, thus leading to be infected in some of them, even some of them are died in line of duty. As of 2 Februa...
Citations
... Aljunaidi et al. and Almatari et al. conducted a study to assess the knowledge and practice of infection control in COVID-19, and both reported good knowledge of guidelines for infection control. On the other hand, Almatari et al. found a need for more knowledge on the practical side [22,23]. These findings highlighted the need for improved awareness and education among radiographers about infection transmission routes and proper infection control procedures. ...
Effective control of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) involves a collaborative effort among various healthcare stakeholders, including healthcare workers, patients, and professionals. Radiographers, as essential members of the healthcare team, play a crucial role in HAI prevention by diligently adhering to standard infection control precautions (SICP) and maintaining a high level of knowledge regarding infection control procedures. The study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of radiographers concerning infection control in radiology departments in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia in the period from February to May 2022, with data collected using an online survey in the form of a google forms questionnaire disseminated through social media as an electronic link and including the patient's demographic characteristic such as age, gender, education level, experience, and prior infection control training and multiple closed ended questions to assess knowledge of standard infection control precautions and the practice of infection control. Overall, 113 participants responded to the survey and entered their responses directly, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS (statistical package for social science). Results: The study revealed that the mean score of knowledge and awareness of the practice of infection control among radiographers in Saudi Arabia was (63.0 and 61.9, respectively), which were considered moderate levels. Females were significantly more knowledgeable about infection control and more aware of the practice than males (p-values = 0.019). The participants who previously attended courses of infection control training had a significantly higher score with a mean rank of (60.9) than those who had not (43.4), (p-value = 0.013). The radiographers' level of experience, age, and academic qualification had no significant influence on overall knowledge and practice of infection control (p-values > 0.05). Conclusions: In Saudi Arabia, radiographers have a moderate level of knowledge and practice of infection control. There is a need for an ongoing training and education program for practicing radiographers to ensure they perform better in infection control measures.
... Aljunaidi et al. and Almatari et al. conducted a study to assess the knowledge and practice of infection control in COVID-19, and both reported good knowledge of guidelines for infection control. On the other hand, Almatari et al. found a need for more knowledge on the practical side [22,23]. These findings highlighted the need for improved awareness and education among radiographers about infection transmission routes and proper infection control procedures. ...
Background:
Ultrasound tends to produce biological effects on body tissues. Therefore, the application of ultrasound safety rules is needed in all ultrasound examinations to avoid bioeffects that may occur because of a high thermal index (TI) and mechanical index (MI). This study aimed to explore the Saudi sonographers' awareness of ultrasound safety and bioeffects.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, and the data was collected using an online survey google forms questionnaire disseminated through social media (Telegram, WhatsApp, and Twitter) as an electronic link. A total of 70 participants responded to the survey directly, and then, the data was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science).
Results:
Regarding the awareness of TI and MI, 64.3% of the participants were aware of TI and 65.7% of MI as safety ultrasound indices; moreover, 74.3% of the participants were aware of the ALARA principle "As Low as Reasonably Achievable." Participants' knowledge concerning more heat production in pulsed Doppler ultrasound modes was poor (31.5%). Most of the sonographers, i.e., 77.1% were aware of the relationship between the risk of cavitation and MI, and 58.6% of the participants were acquainted with the current FDA output limits. In comparison, 58.6% of the participants were aware of the bioeffects of ultrasound contrast agents. There was no significant correlation between the educational level and the degree of awareness of ultrasound bioeffects and safety (P-value> 0.05).
Conclusion:
In this study, it was found that sonographers were aware of the theoretical principles of ultrasound safety indices and the ALARA principle, although they had poor knowledge of ultrasound bioeffects in Doppler mode.
... Studies that examined staff 's knowledge of IPC provided a range of insights from different professions. Alakhras et al., 2020 [57] Hasford et al, 2021 [58] Aljondi et al, 2021 [59] Almantari et al, 2021 [60] Carotenuto et al, 2021 [61] Elshami et al, 2021 [62] Fohely et al, 2021 [63] Srivastava et al., 2021 [64] Person OrganisaƟon Tools and technology Tasks Environment found that just over 50% of study participants had never attended a training session on IPC prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the majority (86%) indicated that their knowledge on IPC had improved during the COVID-19 pandemic [64]. Another study [57] described poor compliance with infection control practices among dental radiographers, and compliance was inconsistent across demographic factors and types of infection control practices. ...
Infection prevention and control (IPC) practices are key to preventing and controlling the spread of pathogens in medical imaging departments (MIDs). The objective of this scoping review was to synthesise information about current research in MID regarding IPC and to use the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model to identify the work system factors (‘persons’, ‘organisation’, ‘tools and technology’, ‘tasks’ and ‘environment’) influencing the practice of IPC, in order to better understand challenges and facilitators that affect IPC in MID. Predefined search terms and medical subject headings relating to IPC in the medical imaging setting were used to search 3 databases. A total of 46 publications met the inclusion criteria, which combined, encompassed all five SEIPS domains influencing IPC. The literature supports the interrelated nature of the five SEIPS domains, and influence to one another. Hand hygiene was a major focus of publications. Mechanisms of infection in contrast-enhanced computed tomography were most reported, with human error, lack of education, and issues associated with devices and processes mechanisms found to influence IPC breaches. A systems approach, such as the SEIPS model, is useful for understanding barriers and hence opportunities for improvement of IPC in the medical imaging setting. Future studies should address individuals’ decision-making processes in the medical imaging setting, and a greater focus should be placed into the procedural steps, education and tools used for contrast media administration.
Critical relevance statement
A systems approach, such as the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model, is useful for understanding barriers and hence opportunities for improvement of IPC in the medical imaging setting.
Graphical Abstract
Key points
IPC in the medical imaging setting would benefit from a systems approach.
The role of education and monitoring of IPC compliance requires further research.
Geographical location is a key variable in IPC research in medical imaging.
... 67,75,77 Notably, 12 studies reported sufficient understanding of general infection measures. 17e19, 41,44,48,50,54,57,58,73,75 A similar trend was seen in radiographers' COVID-19 knowledge, indicating adequate understanding of symptoms and transmission. 18,19,41e44,48,50,52e54,58,65 Despite studies suggesting adequate infection and COVID-19 knowledge, Akudjedu et al. 17 found that radiographers' confidence in using this knowledge to manage COVID-19 was limited. ...
... In regard to education, there was evident provision of basic infection training for radiographers. 18,43,44,46,50,55,58,67,73,76 This training was focused on reinforcing hand hygiene 44,73 and PPE use. 46,50,58 Conversely, only some studies 18,42,43,76 reported the implementation of COVID-19 specific training. ...
... In regard to education, there was evident provision of basic infection training for radiographers. 18,43,44,46,50,55,58,67,73,76 This training was focused on reinforcing hand hygiene 44,73 and PPE use. 46,50,58 Conversely, only some studies 18,42,43,76 reported the implementation of COVID-19 specific training. ...
Introduction:
As chest imaging is a tool for detecting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), diagnostic radiographers are a key component of the frontline workforce. Due to its unforeseen nature, COVID-19 has challenged radiographers' preparedness in combating its effects. Despite its importance, literature specifically investigating radiographers' readiness is limited. However, the documented experiences are prognostic of pandemic preparedness. Hence, this study aimed to map this literature by addressing the question: 'what does the existing literature reveal about the pandemic preparedness of diagnostic radiographers during COVID-19?'.
Methods:
Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework, this scoping review searched for empirical studies in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL. Consequently, 970 studies were yielded and underwent processes of deduplication, title and abstract screening, full-text screening, and backward citation searching. Forty-four articles were deemed eligible for data extraction and analysis.
Results:
Four themes that reflected pandemic preparedness were extrapolated: infection control and prevention, knowledge and education, clinical workflow, and mental health. Notably, the findings highlighted pronounced trends in adaptation of infection protocols, adequate infection knowledge, and pandemic-related fears. However, inconsistencies in the provision of personal protective equipment, training, and psychological support were revealed.
Conclusion:
Literature suggests that radiographers are equipped with infection knowledge, but the changing work arrangements and varied availability of training and protective equipment weakens their preparedness. The disparate access to resources facilitated uncertainty, affecting radiographers' mental health.
Implications for practice:
By reiterating the current strengths and weaknesses in pandemic preparedness, the findings can guide clinical practice and future research to correct inadequacies in infrastructure, education, and mental health support for radiographers in the current and future disease outbreaks.
... Adherence and the challenges of following this specific pathway were not addressed, prompting further research. Nonetheless, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a study conducted in KSA reported that radiology personnel were generally aware of local and international IPC rules [66]. Aside from crises, the low level of awareness and compliance with IPC standards among radiology personnel highlighted the importance of advanced training and education [16,37,54,55]. ...
Infections contracted during healthcare delivery in a hospital or ambulatory setting are collectively referred to as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Healthcare workers and patients alike are vulnerable to serious problems as a result of the risk of HAIs. In the healthcare system, HAIs are considered among the most common and serious health problems. However, the occurrence of HAIs differs between different types of clinical departments within the hospital. Recently, the risk of HAIs has been increasing in radiology departments globally due to the central role of radiology in guiding clinical decisions for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of different diseases from almost all medical specialties. The radiology department is particularly vulnerable to HAIs because it serves as a transit hub for infected patients, non-infected patients, and healthcare workers. Furthermore, as the number of patients referred to radiology and the length of patient contact time has increased, thanks to modern imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, the risk of HAIs has also increased significantly. With the increasing use of interventional radiological procedures, patients and healthcare workers face a potentially greater risk of contracting HAIs due to the invasive nature of such procedures. Although not exhaustive , we attempted through a literature search to provide a general overview of infection prevention and control practices, address HAIs in the radiology departments, and highlight the challenges and measures taken to control infection transmission in the radiology departments.
Background:
Infection prevention and control (IPC) in the medical imaging (MI) setting is recognised as an important factor in providing high-quality patient care and safe working conditions. Surveys are commonly used and have advantages for IPC research. The aim of this study was to identify the core concepts in surveys published in the literature that examined IPC in MI environments.
Methods:
A literature review was conducted to identify studies that employed a survey relating to IPC in the MI setting. For each included study, descriptive study information and survey information were extracted. For IPC-specific survey items, directed content analysis was undertaken, using eleven pre-determined codes based on the 'Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare'. Content that related to 'Knowledge', 'Attitudes' and 'Practice' were also identified.
Results:
A total of 23 studies and 21 unique surveys were included in this review. IPC-specific survey items assessed diverse dimensions of IPC, most commonly relating to 'transmission-based precautions' and 'applying standard and transmission-based precautions during procedures'. 'Practice' and 'Knowledge' related survey items were most frequent, compared to 'Attitudes'.
Conclusion:
MI research using survey methods have focused on the 'entry' points of IPC, rather than systemic IPC matters around policy, education, and stewardship. The concepts of 'Knowledge', 'Attitudes' and 'Practice' are integrated in IPC surveys in the MI context, with a greater focus evident on staff knowledge and practice. Existing topics within IPC surveys in MI are tailored to individual studies and locales, with lack of consistency to national frameworks.
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoronaVirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has transformed our appreciation of healthcare awareness worldwide. The amount of related data accumulated during this time has surpassed any other outbreak of a viral pathogen. Healthcare awareness is related to one of the nine pillars of the “World health organization (WHO) operational planning guidelines to support country preparedness and response”. This review is structured around the awareness/knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP)-related publications in Saudi Arabia up to date to understand the impact of COVID-19 on these domains. The excellent communication effort response from governments, international, and individuals to keep the public informed about the outbreak is highlighted. Unraveling such impacts on the Saudi communities, including healthcare workers (HCWs)/professionals (HCPs), students, patients with different diseases, and non-professional individuals, is essential in containing the outbreak and planning preventive measures in case of future outbreaks.
