Coronavirus disease 2019 strategies, examination details and safety procedures for diagnostic radiology facilities: An extensive multi-centre experience in Istanbul, Turkey

This study aimed to share our experiences during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic obtained in diagnostic radiology facilities of five Training Research Hospitals in the Asian part of Istanbul (North Hospitals). Accordingly, we reported the utilised examination details, allocation of radiology staff and actions and safety procedures for patients and radiology staff. As the corporate radiology team serving in these designated pandemic hospitals, examination details and safety procedures of some diagnostic radiology facilities among five training research hospitals have been identified in the current study. Our guidelines and preparedness protocol aimed to reduce patient morbidity and infection-related mortality through quick and proper diagnosis to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to our employees, patients and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed that teamwork is a key factor while providing medical services. In addition, continuous communication efforts and individual responsibilities of radiology staff were remarkable during the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent situation also showed that co-operation of radiology facilities with device manufacturers and applicators are quite significant especially for development of special protocols in the frame of As Low As Reasonably Achievable. The COVID-19 pandemic has tackled several challenges in radiology among radiology departments. Therefore, continuous co-operation plans and motivational actions are highly recommended not only between radiology staff but also between radiology stakeholders and service providers in the future. Technical details of recent investigation can provide useful information about the management of diagnostic radiology departments during the fight with the COVID-19 pandemic in cities with high population density such as Istanbul.
Highlights • Examination details and safety procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic have been shared. • Allocation of radiology staff and actions and safety procedures for patients have been discussed. • Low dose and ultra-low dose computed tomography examinations were presented. • Continuous co-operation plans and motivational actions are highly recommended • Teamwork is a key factor while providing medical services.