Medical Imaging

Medical Imaging During COVID-19
Medical Imaging During COVID-19
The medical imaging system is playing a key role in British Columbia’s response to COVID-19. Currently, chest CTs and X-rays are only necessary to evaluate patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and show signs of complications.1
Care providers should refer to guidelines from the BC Centre for Disease Control on if a test is necessary.
The Medical Imaging Advisory Committee, a provincial group that provides expert advice and recommendations to the Ministry of Health to support continuous improvement in medical imaging, is developing resources about the role of imaging in diagnosing and managing COVID-19.
In response to requests for care providers to conduct chest CTs and X-rays, the committee developed a poster that radiologists and medical imaging departments can print and display. It supports patients and physicians in helping contain possible spread of COVID-19 while conserving resources and supplies for when they’re needed most now and in the future. It also promotes physical distancing and key resources about symptoms, assessment and testing.
Furthermore, as patients return to hospitals for radiology appointments, health care staff anticipate anxiety and concerns around safety. The committee has developed a resource to help patients know what to expect and feel safe when they arrive for their appointment.
Resources
Ensuring Patient Safety in the Medical Imaging Department
Use this poster to help patients plan ahead and feel safe as they return to the hospital for radiology appointments.
Download the PosterMedical Imaging During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Download and print this poster so that patients and physicians can help our health care system respond to COVID-19 by ensuring chest CTs and X-rays are available when needed most.
Download the PosterStay Up to Date
Things are changing quickly as we learn more about COVID-19 and how to treat the virus. We will update this page if best practice recommendations change.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, we encourage you to visit the BC Centre for Disease Control’s webpages for health professionals and public health partners as well as the public. The BC Ministry of Health has also published a COVID-19 support app and self-assessment tool.
The Provincial Guidelines for Medical Imaging in BC During COVID-19 Pandemic Phases are also now available online.
Medical Imaging Advisory Committee
The Provincial Medical Imaging Advisory Committee advises and makes recommendations to the Ministry of Health to support continuous improvement in medical imaging. Members include:
Dr. Monty Martin BC Cancer Head, Department of Radiology Co-Chair, Medical Imaging Advisory Committee |
Carolyn Rudden Ministry of Health Director, Medical Imaging Strategy Co-Chair, Medical Imaging Advisory Committee |
Dr. Alan Andrew Vancouver Island Health Authority |
Dr. Kevin Beckner Interior Health Authority |
Dr. Simon Bicknell BC Radiological Society President |
Dr. Heather Bray BC Children’s Hospital |
Dr. Alison Harris Vancouver Coastal Health Guidelines & Protocols Advisory Committee |
Dr. Saqba Farooq Northern Health Authority |
Dr. Bruce Forster University of British Columbia |
Dr. Emil Lee Fraser Health Authority |
Dr. Sandra Lee Guidelines & Protocols Advisory Committee |
Dr. Jonathon Leipsic Vancouver Coastal Health Authority |
Dr. Doug McTaggart Guidelines & Protocols Advisory Committee |
Jennifer Elliot Providence Health Care |
Lori House Vancouver Island Health Authority |
Colleen Kennedy BC Patient Safety & Quality Council |
Susan Larson Vancouver Coastal Health Authority |
Sharon Manship Diagnostic Accreditation Program College of Physicians & Surgeons of BC |
Tim Rode Interior Health Authority |
Lisette Vienneau Northern Health Authority |
Ken Winnig Provincial Health Services Authority |
References
- Canadian Association of Radiologists. Canadian Society of Thoracic Radiology and Canadian Association of Radiologists’ statement on COVID-19 [Internet public statement]. Ottawa Canada; March 16, 2020. Available from: https://bit.ly/3aiQj8c
Key Contact
Sarah Carriere
Director, Health System Improvement (Acute & Long-Term Care)
scarriere@bcpsqc.ca
604.668.8215