COVID-19: Changes in Radiographers' Infection Control Practices in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: The high sensitivity of chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) examinations in detecting lung changes during the SARS outbreak emerged as essential diagnostic tests in managing infections. However, the provision of diagnostic examination to patients suspected or confirmed with COVID-19 can be challenging, as radiographers are at a high risk of infection due to contact with patients. Adherence to the standard protocols of infection control measures lessens the risk of infectious disease transmission and safeguards healthcare workers, patients, and limits hospital cross infection. Thus, it is crucial to assess the change of practice and its comparison between the healthcare sectors. METHODS: Data were collected from October 2020 to May 2021 through a cross-sectional study using an online survey. Data from 300 respondents from public and private hospitals in Malaysia were included in the study. RESULTS: The results showed a notable change in the practice of infection control between the pre- COVID-19 pandemic and during the COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.001), reporting the increment of the mean (SD) for hand hygiene, eye shield, surgical mask, double gloves, scrub suit and apron, and boots or shoe covers practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, there is a significant difference between the practice in healthcare sectors (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The practice of infection control among radiographers has changed during the pandemic. The fact that the hospitals need to continue operating normally throughout pandemic time, is a solid reason to comply with infection control measures. Well-equipped hospital settings, repetitive training for the staff, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are the keys to controlling cross-infection. Besides, the collaboration between public and private sectors should be strategized to build more resilient, accessible, and equitable health systems during the pandemic.