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Erschienen in:
23.06.2022 | COVID-19 | Editorial
2022 follow-up: impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nuclear medicine departments in Europe
Erschienen in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Ausgabe 10/2022
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The COVID-19 pandemic not only affected our daily lives, but also changed the work environment. Significant adjustments had to be taken in our nuclear medicine departments. To report this impact, one year ago, the results of a first survey conducted by the EANM were published, describing the reduction of conventional diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for benign diseases, while the number of diagnostic PET/CT scans and therapeutic procedures for malignancy remained stable [ 1]. Following on from this 2021 survey, a subsequent survey was undertaken which closed in February 2022, also now with special attention for research and education. This web-based survey included closed-ended questions and free comments on clinical activity, organisation of departments, research and publications, and education (including virtual offerings) (Table 1).
Table 1
EANM COVID-19 survey 2022 questions
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EANM COVID-19 survey 2022 on impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nuclear medicine departments in Europe
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Clinical Activities: September 2020—August 2021
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In what way has the COVID pandemic affected the amount of conventional diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures (excluding PET and PET/CT) in your country?
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By how much did the conventional diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures decrease?
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By how much did the conventional diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures increase?
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Which of the conventional diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures have been affected the most?
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How has the COVID pandemic affected the number of PET or PET/CT procedures in your country?
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By how much did the PET or PET/CT procedures decrease?
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By how much did the PET or PET/CT procedures increase?
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Which of the PET or PET/CT procedures have been affected the most?
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How has the COVID pandemic affected the number of benign disease therapeutic procedures in your country?
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By how much did benign disease therapeutic procedures decrease?
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By how much did benign disease therapeutic procedures increase?
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Which of the benign disease therapeutic procedures have been affected the most? Positive or negative impact?
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How has the COVID pandemic affected the number of malignant disease therapeutic procedures in your country?
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By how much did malignant disease therapeutic procedures decrease?
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By how much did malignant disease therapeutic procedures increase?
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Which of the malignant disease therapeutic procedures have been affected the most? Positive or negative impact?
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Did the organization/management of the workflows in the nuclear medicine departments change in your country due to the COVID pandemic (e.g. reduced accessibility, limited number of procedures, exclusion of COVID-positive patients unless emergencies,…)?
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Between September 2020 and August 2021, has the COVID pandemic influenced the number of employees/workers in the departments of Nuclear Medicine in your country?
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Between September 2020 and August 2021, has the COVID pandemic influenced the number of employees/workers PRESENT in the departments of Nuclear Medicine in your country (increased absenteeism due to illness or precaution confinement)?
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Did you observe any (persistent) problems within the supply of radiopharmaceuticals (cold kits, generators, ready to use, pharmaceutical ingredients…)?
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Research Activities: September 2020—August 2021
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Has there been any research to be put on-hold due to the health care situation?
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Chemistry-radiopharmacy development
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Laboratory activities (cell culture, in vitro models, setup of PK studies (e.g. metabolites)…)
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Preclinical activity (animal models, small animal imaging, pathology (biopsies or post-mortem)
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Clinical research (academic):
Diagnostic
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Ongoing research
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New protocols with existing tracers
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Novel tracers
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Therapeutic
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Ongoing research
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New protocols with existing tracers
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Novel tracers
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Clinical research (sponsored): September 2020—August 2021
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Protocols on hold
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Delayed or cancelled new protocols
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Publications: was there any effect on scientific production in your country?
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Global effect on research, including publications and participation to exchange of information: has there be any effect? If so, by what percentage reduced (less production ± less communication
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Was there any restriction for applying for / getting research grants from official or private institutions due to the healthcare situation?
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If yes, please elaborate using the free text (without mentioning specific institutions, unless necessary
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Educational Activities: September 2020—August 2021
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Has there been any effect during the academic year 2020–21 (ca. September to September), on educational activities?
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If yes
Local education (undergraduates and postgraduates): in universities
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Local education (undergraduates and postgraduates): in academic hospitals
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Local education (undergraduates and postgraduates): in non-academic hospitals
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Regional education (postgraduates)
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National education programs (postgraduates)
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Continuing education for specialists:
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Physicians
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Physicists
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Radiopharmacists
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Technologists
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In the field of Nuclear Medicine, do you feel that the virtual offer was sufficient and accessible (including registration fees)?
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National level
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European level (EANM)
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European level (with exception of EANM)
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Other international level
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Feeling about the future, beyond September 2021
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From January 1, 2022, do you foresee any remaining or new impact on
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Clinical activities
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Research activities
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Educational activities
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Globally, is your country enthusiastic about the future of Nuclear Medicine during this phase of the pandemic and thereafter?
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