The results of a survey by the British Institute of Radiology (BIR) have shown that only a minority of radiographers believe the provision of PPE and Covid-19 testing, as well as the availability of cleaning staff and supplies, are adequate.
The survey of imaging and oncology professionals took place between 29 April and 1 May 2020 and was completed by 561 UK based radiographers.
Only 36% said they thought provision of Covid-19 PPE was adequate for people in their role. Just 23% of radiographers surveyed said they believed testing was adequate, with 24% saying it was ‘very inadequate’.
Radiographers surveyed were not optimistic about prospects for improvement over the next three months. They believe that provision of PPE and cleaning supplies will be less adequate in coming months than today, with only 21% believing PPE provision will be adequate within the next three months (compared with 36% today) and 35% believing that cleaning supplies will be adequate (compared with 44% today).
Dr Jane Phillips-Hughes, president of the British Institute of Radiology, said “Radiographers, as well as radiologists, oncologists, scientists and others, are putting themselves at risk every day to help patients during this emergency.
“In performing examinations such as chest x-ray and CT scanning, they are vital frontline workers.
“It is essential that their level of risk is recognised, that they feel supported and that they are provided with the PPE and other supplies needed to keep them and their patients as safe as possible. It is also essential that testing should be available to healthcare staff working with patients, including imaging and oncology professionals.”
The Society and the BIR are working together on the results of the survey and are planning to collaborate on future research.