Perceived impact of covid-19 on pediatric radiology departments around the world: World federation of pediatric imaging covid-19 task force survey results from six continents

Purpose: To investigate how coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted pediatric radiology practice around the world at the present time. Materials and Methods: This study was based on a survey conducted by the World Federation of Pediatric Imaging (WFPI) COVID-19 task force. Pediatric radiology representatives from countries around the world were identified and asked to complete an electronic survey consisting of 17 questions related to the impact of, concerns surrounding, and education related to COVID-19 on pediatric radiol-ogy. For each outcome variable, a pair of two-way frequency tables was constructed: one against COVID-19 prevalence and another against region. Tests of independence of the tables’ row and column factors were performed based on Fisher exact test, and odds ratios (ORs) were estimated via logistic regression models corresponding to these two-way tables. Results: The survey (response rate 87%, 72/83) comprised representatives from 71 countries and Hong Kong across six continents. Sixty-six of 72 respondents (92%) indicated that COVID-19 has resulted in moderate (21/72, 29%), significant (36/72, 50%), or complete (9/72, 13%) change in radiology departments/practices in their countries. The two most frequent concerns over the next 4 months were personal/family health (54/72, 75%) and exposure (48/72, 67%). Seventy-nine percent (57/72) of respondents indicated some level of discomfort in identifying pediatric COVID-19 imaging manifestations. Changes in resident education were reported by 68/72 (94%) respondents, and 22/72 (31%) were concerned that the likelihood of current trainees pursuing a career in pediatric radiology will be impacted. Conclusion: COVID-19 has had a substantial negative impact on pediatric radiology practice around the world.