Imaging is essential in assessing the severity and
progression of COVID-19. When imaging is concern, the radiographers play a vital role in
performing and producing optimum image quality to support clinical decision making in the diagnosis, management
and treatment of COVID-19 patients.
As radiographers are one of the first line of health professionals that require
frequent contact with confirmed positive patients or suspected infected
patients presenting with respiratory symptoms during the process of examination
(typically chest X-ray or CT chest), they are more exposed to infected persons.
This has naturally heightened the radiographers’ anxiety
level. More so with information and control strategies regularly evolving as
new information on the virus becomes known.
The radiographers from one of
the largest teaching hospitals in the country
are not left behind from the challenges of the global pandemic of COVID-19. In
the Department of Biomedical Imaging, University of Malaya Medical Centre
(UMMC), Kuala Lumpur (KL), a COVID-19 Task Force team was formed in the wake of
the global pandemic to look into new challenges and changes in the service
delivery.
In terms of preparing our staff to face the new situation, changes
were administered in regards to work processes, management of human resources
(divided into teams in anticipation of accidental exposures to COVID-19
patients and the need to undergo quarantine processes, if necessary) and
handling of imaging equipment (e.g. prior preparation and post examination decontamination
process).
Besides that, several stimulation sessions on donning and doffing Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) and handling of COVID-19 patients were conducted, reminders
on hand hygiene compliances disseminated and preparedness
on crisis management was organised, should the need arise.
During the first wave of the pandemic, in the true spirit of #KitaJagaKita saw many radiographers being innovative in preparing the
PPEs (e.g. head covers, gowns, shoe covers & etc.) from non-woven fabric
and diligently taking turns applying their sewing skills.
In addition to this, self-made
face shields from easily reproducible items such as strings, sponges and clear
plastic sheathes were prepared creatively to ensure sufficient stock was
available to carry out their duties safely and confidently during these
precarious times.
During the early phase of the pandemic, there
were marked increase in the request of mobile radiography examinations at designated COVID-19 wards and emergency areas as to
avoid possible transmission during patient transfer to imaging department.
As
part of the new workflow, the Radiographers would decontaminate the mobile
equipment and shower after handling the COVID-19 patients.
The COVID-19 pandemic is evolving continuously. What is
certain is that imaging will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting
clinical decision-making. Therefore, having a positive mind set is important.
Radiographers, as frontline staff, should be familiar with the key challenges
related to imaging patients with COVID-19.
This is essential so that they can
fulfil their role in ensuring patient safety, patient care and optimise image
quality as a tool for more accurate diagnosis.
Most importantly, radiographers should be aware of ways to
keep themselves safe and well during this unprecedented situation by adhering
to the new normal (e.g. social distancing, hand hygiene compliance & etc.),
using the right PPE and ensuring all their workspaces are adequately decontaminated
to minimise the risk of further infection.
In summary, three key learnings during this COVID-19 pandemic
are, it’s important to work as a team, essential to have a positive mindset and
“Together with great TEAMWORK and POSITIVE MINDSET…ANYTHING IS
POSSIBLE!
With that, we
would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all those who
have donated essential items during this challenging time to show their
support.
Thank you very much! Your generosity and kindness are much
appreciated!
The fight for
COVID-19 is not over yet! We can win this together! Here from the Department of
Biomedical Imaging, UMMC, KL our journey continues…!
Signing
off:
Ms Ravi
Chanthriga Eturajulu
Radiographer
Officer
Department
of Biomedical Imaging,
University
of Malaya Medical Centre, KL
Acknowledgements
to:
Ms Kathy Wui
Ai Leng, Miss Siti Nur Aisyah Zolkaplie, Mr Mohd Zukhairi Che Romly, Ms Lilian
Yap Poh Poh, Mr Mohd Kamil Mohamad Fabell, COVID-19 Task Force Team and all
staff of the Department of Biomedical Imaging, UMMC.
#UMMC #PPUM #KitaTeguhKitaMenang #KitaJagaKita #MalaysiaPrihatin #StayAtHome #StaySafe
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