University of Edinburgh

3

Michelle Williams

CCU080

During the COVID-19 pandemic, priority for imaging tests, such as x-ray, ultrasound, and scans such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), was often given to assess patients with COVID-19. As a consequence, many routine imaging tests for other diseases, such as heart and circulatory disease were cancelled or postponed. The impact on patient outcomes of these tests being delayed is currently unknown. The Diagnostic Imaging Dataset (DID), which is data routinely collected by the NHS, contains information on the use of imaging tests in England. We will use this dataset to look at changes in the way we used imaging tests during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will use linked healthcare information to find out how these changes impacted patients including whether there were any increases or decreases in diagnoses for condition such as heart and circulatory disease and changes in the use of different medications. Additionally, we will look at how these changes impacted patient outcomes such as heart attacks or death.

This study will help us to understand how the use of imaging tests changed during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact this had on patients. The findings will help us to understand how much disease may be untreated at present and help us make plans to address this issue.

03/03/2024

03/01/2026

18/07/2024

De-Personalised

18/07/2024

TRE