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Breast Imaging During COVID-19

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Here are the highlights from #ARRSBreastChat, a tweetchat discussion on how COVID-19 has affected breast imaging.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the fact that breast cancer does not go away during a pandemic. How is your institution encouraging continued breast imaging despite the pandemic?

To encourage screening MG, we got creative:
📌 created self scheduling
📌extended breast clinic hours
📌 virtual fundraising
📌virtual talks to the community
📌media outreach #ARRSBreastChat https://t.co/tSgoJkQnv0

— Toma Omofoye, MD (@TomaOmofoyeMD) October 28, 2020

A1: Our Breast Imagers and Surgeons at Weill Cornell and NYP have been engaging the community with numerous virtual discussions, lectures, town halls and Q & A sessions addressing the of importance of screening mammography even during COVID-19.#ARRSBreastChat @WeillCornellRad https://t.co/jcUCBcgcsl

— Katia Dodelzon (@KatiaDodelzon) October 28, 2020

Q1:
-Mobile breast imaging
-Virtual Dx in rural areas
-Media Outreach
-Weekend screening#ARRSbreastchat https://t.co/ANGOrDUomd

— DrJackson_RAD (@DrJackson_RAD) October 28, 2020

We @YaleRadiology have screening and diagnostic breast imaging centers open with extended evening & weekend hrs to facilitate delayed exams while increasing distancing. We follow strict masking and cleaning measures to ensure that exams and encounters are safe. #ARRSBreastChat https://t.co/4iFvlvhMDJ

— Faezeh Sodagari (@fsodagari) October 28, 2020

Q1: Social media has been key for us. We are using this outlet to communicate with our patients. We have used videos in which we address the precautions we are taking against Covid and highlight the importance of continued mammo surveillance and diagnostic workups.

— ClaudiaCotesMD (@ClaudiaCotesMD) October 28, 2020

A1: We have also added a video on the @washradiology website showcasing the precautions we have put in place to ease the fears or concerns that patients may have. #ARRSBreastChat #BCAM

— Islamiat Ego-Osuala, MD (@TheMinBreastRep) October 28, 2020

We @YaleRadiology have screening and diagnostic breast imaging centers open with extended evening & weekend hrs to facilitate delayed exams while increasing distancing. We follow strict masking and cleaning measures to ensure that exams and encounters are safe. #ARRSBreastChat https://t.co/4iFvlvhMDJ

— Faezeh Sodagari (@fsodagari) October 28, 2020
What measures have your team put in place to ensure the safety of women who attend screening mammography during the pandemic?

** Publication referenced in video:

Link: https://t.co/WXRKEsxDmy@JeanSeely et al “COVID-19: Safe Guidelines for Breast Imaging During the Pandemic.” May, 2020

“Delays >3 months from symptom onset and start of treatment could be considered excessive” #ARRSBreastChat https://t.co/E09sHCywpJ pic.twitter.com/pNbKf8Xfji

— Toma Omofoye, MD (@TomaOmofoyeMD) October 28, 2020

A1: We have also added a video on the @washradiology website showcasing the precautions we have put in place to ease the fears or concerns that patients may have. #ARRSBreastChat #BCAM

— Islamiat Ego-Osuala, MD (@TheMinBreastRep) October 28, 2020

A2: All patients and healthcare employees wear masks which has shown to be the most effective way to mitigate the spread of disease. #ARRSBreastChat #WearAMask @WeillCornellRad @nyphospital @KemiMDRad https://t.co/qqfOGcsCJ4

— Katia Dodelzon (@KatiaDodelzon) October 28, 2020

A2. We take temperatures of everyone entering the building and supply surgical masks. We practice social distancing and have extended our hours to dedicate more time per patient to promote social distancing. We disinfect the rooms between patients. #ARRSBreastChat @RadiologyUSC https://t.co/eBzjIFKaDG

— USC Breast Imaging (@USCBreastRads) October 28, 2020

Kathy Schilling: using #AI on prior Mammos to assess risk for developing breast cancer, called those patients to encourage return to screening. #ARRSBreastChat https://t.co/E09sHCywpJ

— Toma Omofoye, MD (@TomaOmofoyeMD) October 28, 2020
What changes have your team put in place that you see continuing after the pandemic is over?

I anticipate we will continue to:
🔑Offer extended screening hours to accommodate different patient schedules
🔑Continue enhanced disinfecting protocols
🔑Single use gel
🔑Have a (mostly) Paperless workflow
🔑Continue same day dx/biopsy eval, reduce # of visits#ARRSBreastChat https://t.co/YAoa5EMIJh

— Toma Omofoye, MD (@TomaOmofoyeMD) October 28, 2020

A3. We will continue using social media to communicate with patients. We will continue disinfecting the rooms between patients, as we always have. #ARRSBreastChat @ARRS_Radiology @RadiologyUSC https://t.co/ADyNLwHCff

— USC Breast Imaging (@USCBreastRads) October 28, 2020

A3: We intend to continue to ease and streamline the experience for our patients long after the pandemic, to hopefully encourage greater adherence to screening in our community. #ARRSBreastChat @WeillCornellRad @WeillCornell @nyphospital https://t.co/UfIqF6C00s

— Katia Dodelzon (@KatiaDodelzon) October 28, 2020

@ButlerReni : extended breast clinic hours into evening and weekends to accommodate backlog of patients and enhanced cleaning of @YaleRadiology #ARRSBreastChat https://t.co/AHfNtF1XhE

— Toma Omofoye, MD (@TomaOmofoyeMD) October 28, 2020

A3: Measures put into place to ⬇️ spread on #COVID also helped ⬇️ in person wait time via more online scheduling, electronic check in and information exchange. Patients also benefit from more convenient care & communication. #ARRSBreastChat @NYUImaging @NYUWinthropHosp https://t.co/nBuyW2rjSy

— Monica Sheth, MD (@MonicaSheth) October 28, 2020

I see these to continue even after the pandemic:
Enhanced cleaning measures, expediting check-in process, extended hours, using AI for risk assessment, exploring work from home for breast screening, using media campaigns for increasing awareness.#ARRSBreastChat https://t.co/i6bvRkfiAZ

— Faezeh Sodagari (@fsodagari) October 28, 2020
What advice do you have for women who are eligible for screening mammography?

Miri Sklair-Levy: we’re screening in a way that’s safe for our staff and you!@jeanseely– wear a sear belt in every time. You should screen every year. @paulagordon: Please come get your screening MG#ARRSBreastChat https://t.co/IPlDSnqlzR

— Toma Omofoye, MD (@TomaOmofoyeMD) October 28, 2020

Here @UNCRadiology, the safety of our patients is our priority. Women should be encouraged to begin their screenings as soon as they are eligible. The pandemic should not delay timely access to care. We have learned a lot and put safeguards in place#ARRSBreastChat https://t.co/6FNirQ0yKz

— radrezmama (@drfemiabod) October 28, 2020

Q4: Breast cancer doesn’t go away because of #COVID19. Screening mammography is important to detecting early breast cancer- when it is most treatable.

*Breast Imaging saves lives- one of them could be yours!*#ARRSBreastChat #BCAM @SBIRFS @BreastImaging https://t.co/GLDk2xtqJO

— Jesse Conyers, MD (@jesse_conyers) October 28, 2020

A4: Get it done. Mammography saves lives. It is normal to worry about your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Remember your breast radiologists are concerned about your health and we are putting in significant safety measures to protect you from contracting the virus. #ARRSBreastChat https://t.co/UnmwLIOMl0

— Katia Dodelzon (@KatiaDodelzon) October 28, 2020

A4: @ARRS_Radiology It is important to take control of your health during this time of uncertainty, so if you’re 40 and over or considered HR don’t wait.. #MammogramsSaveLives #ARRSBreastChat @GeisingerHealth #realmamo https://t.co/fhUcNRu2Eb

— DrJackson_RAD (@DrJackson_RAD) October 28, 2020

A4: 🚺 by the time you are 30, speak with your doctor about your risk for #breastcancer & if early screening is indicated (i.e. starting before age 40). If you are 40 or older & average risk, get your mammogram yearly. #Breastcancer doesn’t stop for #CoVID #BCAM #ARRSBreastChat https://t.co/Y03qjkFe2s

— Monica Sheth, MD (@MonicaSheth) October 28, 2020

A4. Please call and make your appointment now for your annual screening mammogram. To schedule a screening mammogram at USC, call 323-865-3463 (option 1). #EarlyDetectionSavesLives #ARRSBreastChat @ARRS_Radiology @RadiologyUSC @KeckMedUSC https://t.co/1dgdkWSeBA

— USC Breast Imaging (@USCBreastRads) October 28, 2020

A4: COVID-19 lockdown does not lock down breast cancer. Lack or delay of screening mammograms will lead to more cancer-related deaths, particularly in minorities with pre-existing health disparities #ARRSBreastChat #BCAM

— Islamiat Ego-Osuala, MD (@TheMinBreastRep) October 28, 2020

Q4- We understand that you’re dealing with a lot these days, but please do not delay your breast care. Early detection saves lives! We are here for you and want to work with you to understand and address your concerns. Let us know how we can facilitate your care.#ARRSBreastChat https://t.co/ihv5VgjVzJ

— Faezeh Sodagari (@fsodagari) October 28, 2020

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