Coronavirus Outbreak: Is Radiology Ready? Mass Casualty Incident Planning

J Am Coll Radiol. 2020 Jun;17(6):724-729. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2020.03.025. Epub 2020 Apr 3.

Abstract

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Health care systems worldwide should be prepared for an unusually high volume of patients in the next few weeks to months. Even the most efficient radiology department will undergo tremendous stress when victims of a mass casualty flood the emergency department and in turn the radiology department. A significant increase is expected in the number of imaging studies ordered for the initial diagnosis and treatment follow-up of cases of COVID-19. Here, we highlight recommendations for developing and implementing a mass casualty incident (MCI) plan for a viral outbreak, such as the current COVID-19 infection. The MCI plan consists of several steps, including preparation, mobilization of resources, imaging chain, adjusting imaging protocols, and education, such as MCI plan simulation and in-service training. Having an MCI plan in place for a viral outbreak will protect patients and staff and ultimately decrease virus transmission. The use of simulations will help identify throughput and logistical issues.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus; mass casualty; novel COVID-19-infected pneumonia; preparedness; radiology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Disaster Planning / organization & administration
  • Disease Outbreaks / statistics & numerical data
  • Education, Medical, Continuing
  • Female
  • Global Health
  • Health Planning / organization & administration
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Casualty Incidents / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • Pandemics / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology*
  • Radiology / organization & administration*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / statistics & numerical data*
  • World Health Organization