Impact on Participants of Family Connect, a Novel Program Linking COVID-19 Inpatients’ Families with the Frontline Providers

Taffel, Myles T.; Hochman, Katherine A.; Chhor, Chloe M.; Alaia, Erin F.; Borja, Maria J.; Sondhi, Jaya; Lala, Shailee V.; Tong, Angela

Purpose With clinical volumes decreased, radiologists volunteered to participate virtually in daily clinical rounds and provide communication between front-line physicians and COVID-19 patient families affected by restrictive hospital visitation policies. The purpose of this survey-based assessment was to demonstrate the beneficial effects of radiologist engagement during this pandemic, and potentially in future crises if needed. Methods Following the program’s completion, a survey consisting of 13 multiple choice and open-ended questions was distributed to the 69 radiologists who volunteered for a minimum of 7 days. The survey focused on how the experience would change future practice, the nature of interaction with medical students and the motivation for volunteering. The electronic medical record system identified the positive or suspected COVID-19 patients and the number of notes documenting family communication. Results Sixty-nine radiologists signed or cosigned 7,027 notes. Sixty of 69 (87.0%) radiologists responded to the survey. All found the experience increased their understanding of COVID-19 and its effect on the health care system. Overall, 59.6% agreed that participation would result in future change in communication with patients and their families. Nearly all (98.1%) who worked with medical students agreed that their experience with medical students was rewarding. A majority (82.7%) chose to participate as a way to provide service to the patient population. Conclusion This program provided support to front-line inpatient teams while also positively affecting the radiologist participants. If a similar situation arises in the future, this communication tool could be redeployed, especially with the collaboration of medical students.