Abstract

Background: Medical Physics department plays a pivotal role in developing and maintaining the quality services of radiation diagnosis and treatment in a cancer hospital. In this paper, the impact of the first COVID-19 wave on quality assurance (QA) program of medical physics department in an ISO-certified (9001-2015) hospital was quantified along with personnel dosimetry of radiation workers.
Methods: The number of monthly, quarterly, and annual quality control (QC) procedures was analyzed, and QA program was prioritized in nuclear medicine and radiology department depending upon the hospital needs during the pandemic. The effect on personnel dosimetry during COVID period and annual dose was measured.
Results: The QC procedures declined by 42% at radiological facilities (X-ray, mammography, gamma camera) of our hospital. It was noted that low frequency annual QC tests were less affected as compared to high frequency routine QC tests. During peak time of COVID-19 (23 March-30 June 2020) in Pakistan, the department worked with reduced manpower (50%) and reduced work hours (33%). The working hours gradually increased to 50% in June, 75% in August, and full restoration of manpower and workhours happened in September 2020. Radiation doses of all employees remained well within limit of 20 mSv per annum but the average dose of medical physics radiation worker increased during COVID.
Conclusion: COVID-19 has adversely affected quality assurance program. Care must be taken for all radiation workers as some employees may become overdosed due to radiation workload.

Key words: Quality control, radiology, nuclear medicine, dosimetry