Metrics-driven successful strategy by emergency and radiology driven task force to mitigate global CT contrast media shortage in a safety net hospital.

Abstract

Iodinated contrast media (ICM) shortages and secondary supply chain problems due to Coronavirus Disease lockdowns in China significantly impacted radiology operations nationwide. The lack of ICM necessitated operational workflow changes designed to ration contrast use, particularly in the hospital setting. In this manuscript, we share our strategic methods with advanced process/outcome metrics to monitor the effectiveness of our strategy under a coordinated multidisciplinary team effort. Alternate studies such as substituting magnetic resonance angiography for computed tomographic angiography for emergency department patients were studied to measure the suitability of these examinations for specific diagnoses. This article presents readers with a comprehensive crisis management strategy deployed at our institution, emphasizing various options with a limited ICM supply, and minimizing the impact on clinical care.