Provision of a consistent national approach to radiation therapy workforce protection measures in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic
Min Ku A B C , Tanya Morgan A , Alan Malbon A , Timothy Bartram B , Jillian Cavanagh B and Beni Halvorsen B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, 1 Queens Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia.
B Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia. Email: timothy.bartram@rmit.edu.au; jillian.cavanagh@rmit.edu.au; beni.halvorsen@rmit.edu.au
C Corresponding author. Email: min.ku@rmit.edu.au
Australian Health Review 44(4) 535-539 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH20094
Submitted: 3 May 2020 Accepted: 15 June 2020 Published: 23 July 2020
Journal Compilation © AHHA 2020 Open Access CC BY
Abstract
Healthcare workers are at the frontline managing COVID-19 patients with transmission of the COVID-19 virus to healthcare workers evident in many Australian states. Minimisation of this spread is vital to protecting the healthcare workforce with individual organisations detailing best practice for infection and control. However, interpretation and implementation of infection control guidelines is varied across Australian Radiation Therapy Departments, highlighting inconsistencies. Strong leadership, quality communication and clear direction is required during this crisis to ensure that radiation therapists receive all necessary support and resources required to maintain safety and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
References
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