The medical imaging system is playing a key role in British Columbia’s response to COVID-19. Currently, chest CTs and X-rays are only necessary to evaluate patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and show signs of complications.1
Care providers should refer to guidelines from the BC Centre for Disease Control on if a test is necessary.
The Medical Imaging Advisory Committee, a provincial group that provides expert advice and recommendations to the Ministry of Health to support continuous improvement in medical imaging, is developing resources about the role of imaging in diagnosing and managing COVID-19.
In response to requests for care providers to conduct chest CTs and X-rays, the committee developed a poster that radiologists and medical imaging departments can print and display. It supports patients and physicians in helping contain possible spread of COVID-19 while conserving resources and supplies for when they’re needed most now and in the future. It also promotes physical distancing and key resources about symptoms, assessment and testing.
Furthermore, as patients return to hospitals for radiology appointments, health care staff anticipate anxiety and concerns around safety. The committee has developed a resource to help patients know what to expect and feel safe when they arrive for their appointment.
Medical Imaging Advisory Committee
The Provincial Medical Imaging Advisory Committee advises and makes recommendations to the Ministry of Health to support continuous improvement in medical imaging. Members include:
Committee Chairs & Members
| Dr. Monty Martin BC Cancer Head, Department of Radiology Co-Chair, Medical Imaging Advisory Committee | Carolyn Rudden Ministry of Health Director, Medical Imaging Strategy Co-Chair, Medical Imaging Advisory Committee |
| Dr. Alan Andrew Vancouver Island Health Authority | Dr. Kevin Beckner Interior Health Authority |
| Dr. Simon Bicknell BC Radiological Society President | Dr. Heather Bray BC Children’s Hospital |
| Dr. Alison Harris Vancouver Coastal Health Guidelines & Protocols Advisory Committee | Dr. Saqba Farooq Northern Health Authority |
| Dr. Bruce Forster University of British Columbia | Dr. Emil Lee Fraser Health Authority |
| Dr. Sandra Lee Guidelines & Protocols Advisory Committee | Dr. Jonathon Leipsic Vancouver Coastal Health Authority |
| Dr. Doug McTaggart Guidelines & Protocols Advisory Committee | Jennifer Elliot Providence Health Care |
| Lori House Vancouver Island Health Authority | Colleen Kennedy BC Patient Safety & Quality Council |
| Susan Larson Vancouver Coastal Health Authority | Sharon Manship Diagnostic Accreditation Program College of Physicians & Surgeons of BC |
| Tim Rode Interior Health Authority | Lisette Vienneau Northern Health Authority |
| Ken Winnig Provincial Health Services Authority |
