CAR - Canadian Association of Radiologists

The Canadian Association of Radiologists is the national specialty association for radiologists, dedicated to medical imaging excellence in patient care

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COVID-19: What radiologists are saying

Thanks for taking the time to complete our second survey on the response to COVID-19. The second survey that was sent on March 30th provides further insights into how hospitals, the health system and members are responding to the pandemic. Your answers are now more definitive. There has been a dramatic impact on members’ work and their financials and this comes out clearly in the survey. The CAR will use the survey results to ensure our advocacy efforts are in the best interests of the community. These are difficult times for everyone, and we greatly appreciated the time you have taken to answer this survey.

Here are the key findings from April 1st as well as differences compared to the March 20th survey:

  • 83% respondents said that tech and cleaning staff schedules have been changed up from 57%. This is a positive sign.
  • A majority of respondents 83% believe that there is surge capacity to respond –up from 66%. Another positive sign.
  • 29% more respondents indicated their scheduling model has changed bringing the total to 79%. That is 79% of members now say that they are on a vacation/weekend schedule.
  • The ability to work from home went up from 76% to 83% over the last 12 days.

Yes/No Survey Questions and Results:

New in this survey – demographics, subspecialty, work environment and referrals

The majority of respondents identified as General Radiologists (28%) followed by Abdominal (14%), MSK (11%) and Breast (10.5%). There was an even distribution representing: tertiary (38%), Regional (26%), Private Clinics (20%) as well as smaller hospitals (13%). Nearly everyone (91%) report that referrals have been reduced and all members (98%) have been impacted financially.

What Does This Mean?

  • The clinical impact has been significant and so has the financial impact.
  • The CSTR guidelines have been well received as 85% of respondents report that they have been helpful.
  • CAR has also partnered in developing the CSBI and CAIR guidelines.
  • The CAR will be holding two webinars on federal economic measures in partnership with MNP that aim to help Canadians through the shutdown as well as the financial market implications with MD Financial Management.

Summary – the next few weeks are critical to flattening the curve

The results indicate that the impacts of COVID-19 are significant for members across the country. The CAR wants to help, and we have been actively sharing information on social media and directly with members via email as well as on our website. The office in Ottawa is in regular contact with Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada as well as Finance Canada.

If you have information to share or want to flag something that is important for all radiologists, we want to hear from you. We are here to support our members throughout COVID-19 and are committed to providing resources that can help you manage during this crisis.

Thank you for your feedback; your continued insights will help us to advocate for radiologists and their patients at a federal level.