P-17 The impact of COVID-19 on imaging case volumes at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Radiology Department, Guyana.
Author(s):
S Sagon, S Baskh, J Persaud, M Dainty, D Mangroo
Year of Presentation:
2024
Objective: To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on imaging case volumes in the radiology department at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Guyana.
Methods: The total number of imaging examinations conducted at GPHC’s imaging department for two 6-month periods (1st April to 30th September, 2019 and 1st April to 30th September, 2021) was retrospectively collected and compared. The overall percent change in imaging case volume, 2021 versus 2019, and percent change based on imaging modality and examination type were calculated.
Results: A total of 29,240 imaging examinations were done during the period April 01 to September 30, 2021 compared to 46,856 during similar period in 2019. This cor- responded to a decrease in imaging case volume by 37% in 2021 relative to 2019. Decrease in case volumes were observed for general X-ray (-47.5%) followed by fluoroscopy (-48.4%), while CT (39.6%) and ultrasound (40.5%) recorded increases in 2021, relative to 2019. Fluoroscopy recorded the greatest decline for all the imaging modalities (-48.4%). For general decline (-80.2%), for CT; upper limbs (-63.2%), fluoroscopy; IVP_IVU (-92.8%) whilst for ultrasound only prostate examinations recorded a decrease (-2.6%).
Conclusion: There was a notable overall decline in imaging case volumes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes varied by imaging modality and examination type, with some experiencing substantial declines while others saw considerable increases. This underscores the need for healthcare institutions to remain adaptable and responsive to optimize service delivery during public health crises.