Adaptation of interventional radiology services amid the covid-19 pandemic: A tertiary care community hospital’s early experience

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally, with interventional radiology (IR) services being significantly impacted. This study outlines the early adaptations implemented by the interventional radiology department at a tertiary care community hospital during the initial phase of the pandemic. We retrospectively reviewed workflow changes, procedure volumes, staff allocation strategies, infection control measures, and patient triage systems instituted between March and August 2020. Findings demonstrated a significant decrease in elective IR procedures, with a shift towards urgent and emergent interventions, alongside increased collaboration with critical care teams. Despite reduced procedural volume, timely care was maintained for high-acuity patients. Adaptations such as cohorting, enhanced PPE protocols, and teleconsultations played a vital role. This study highlights the flexibility and critical role of IR in responding to public health crises, with implications for future pandemic preparedness.