Use of personal protective equipment by European Radiologists during the COVID-19 pandemic, a survey of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS)

Background: The current global pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has profoundly impacted medical practitioners worldwide. This survey was formed by the Radiology Section of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) to establish the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by European radiologists committed to providing face-to-face ultrasound services after the first few months of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Results: The results showed a heterogeneous picture within Europe regarding PPE used by European radiologists providing face-to-face ultrasound services. Ranging from full protection including full limb protection and double gloves to no PPE at all. In general, European radiologists were using more PPE when providing face-to-face ultrasound services in COVID-19 positive patients than in COVID-19 asymptomatic patients. In many member countries of the Radiology Section of the UEMS (19/30), there were no national guidelines with regard to the use of PPE by healthcare professionals committed to providing face-to-face ultrasound services. Conclusions: Our results showed that harmonization on a European level regarding the recommended use of PPE for European radiologists providing face-to-face ultrasound services is lacking. When the position statements and best practice recommendations on standards in ultrasound are revised, we recommend adding a paragraph on PPE.