The Influence of COVID-19 on Ultrasound Practice

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 had a major impact on ultrasound practice. The recommended “safe distance” of 2 meters (to limit COVID-19 infection) cannot be maintained during standard ultrasound procedures. Thus, special precautions, proper infection prevention, and control measures were implemented to limit the spread. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the pandemic on ultrasound technologists and their work practices and to suggest future changes that may be implemented. METHODS: This Research Ethics Board (REB) approved study included a quantitative survey which was designed based on a literature review. The survey used questions with a 5-point Likert scale along with multiple-choice questions. For the statistical analyses, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the Kruskall-Wallis test and Spearman's coefficient correlation test were used. RESULTS: There were 40/100 respondents. All but five questions produced significant results. Enhanced cleaning (p < 0.02) and increased wait time (p < 0.02) were found to be dependent on specific institutions. Additionally, the majority of case types performed by a sonographer (p < 0.02) and the years of experience (p = 0.006) influenced perception of a permanent change of practice. Although procedures have taken longer during the pandemic, sonographers do not anticipate an increase in procedure time for future scheduling. Sonographers experienced an increase in stress levels, causing it to be less manageable than before the pandemic (p = 0.0003). Wearing PPE was identified as a permanent change in practice whereas increasing the use of mobile ultrasound was not highlighted as future practice. CONCLUSION: Respondents reported challenges getting support for initiatives to relieve sonographer stress. If factors such as adequate communication and workload are not properly addressed, there can be negative psychological effects for sonographers. Many changes were suggested to be implemented to ensure sonographers feel supported so that their workload is manageable.