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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Stroke | Original Article

Teleradiology as a relevant indicator of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic management on emergency room activities: a nationwide worrisome survey

Authors: Jordan Vatele, Stéphanie Gentile, Vivien Thomson, Bénédicte Devictor, Marine Cloux, Nicolas Girouin, Flavie Bratan, Jean-François Bergerot, Mylène Seux, Nathan Banaste, Karim Tazarourte, Guillaume Gorincour

Published in: Insights into Imaging | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of COVID-19’s lockdown on radiological examinations in emergency services.

Methods

Retrospective, multicentre analysis of radiological examinations requested, via our teleradiology network, from 2017 to 2020 during two timeframes (calendar weeks 5–8 and then 12–15). We included CT scans or MRIs performed for strokes, multiple traumas (Body-CT), cranial traumas (CTr) and acute non-traumatic abdominal pain (ANTAP). We evaluated the number and percentages of examinations performed, of those with a pathological conclusion, and of examinations involving the chest.

Results

Our study included 25 centres in 2017, 29 in 2018, 43 in 2019 and 59 in 2020. From 2017 to 2019, the percentages of examinations were constant, which was also true for chest CTs. Each centre’s number of examinations, gender distribution and patient ages were unchanged. In 2020, examinations significantly decreased: suspected strokes decreased by 36% (1052 vs 675, p < 0.001), Body-CT by 62% (349 vs 134, p < 0.001), CTr by 52% (1853 vs 895, p < 0.001) and for ANTAP, appendicitis decreased by 38% (45 vs 90, not statistically significant (NS)) sigmoiditis by 44% (98 vs 55, NS), and renal colic by 23% (376 vs 288, NS). The number of examinations per centre decreased by 13% (185.5 vs 162.5, p < 0.001), whereas the number of examinations of the "chest" region increased by 170% (1205 vs 3766, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Teleradiology enabled us to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic management on emergency activities, showing a global decrease in the population's use of care.

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Title: Teleradiology as a relevant indicator of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic management on emergency room activities: a nationwide worrisome survey
Authors: Jordan Vatele
Stéphanie Gentile
Vivien Thomson
Bénédicte Devictor
Marine Cloux
Nicolas Girouin
Flavie Bratan
Jean-François Bergerot
Mylène Seux
Nathan Banaste
Karim Tazarourte
Guillaume Gorincour
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Stroke
Polytrauma
Appendicitis
Appendicitis
COVID-19
Polytrauma
Key Symptom
Abdominal Pain
Published in: Insights into Imaging / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1869-4101
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-021-00964-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Teleradiology as a relevant indicator of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic management on emergency room activities: a nationwide worrisome survey

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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