Radiology Resource Utilization During an H1N1 Influenza Outbreak

Radiology examinations in an H1N1-infected population. The average number of imaging examinations per patient performed on the study population are plotted for the two subgroups of patients who did (ICU) and did not (non ICU) need mechanical ventilation. These are shown in aggregate (total) as well as divided into single-view and two-view chest studies (diagnostic chest x-ray exams), chest CT examinations with and without contrast (chest CT exams), single and multiple views of the abdomen (abdominal plain film[s]), oblique chest radiographs for line placement (PICC placement), and all other CT, MRI, ultrasound, fluoroscopic, and interventional procedures (other). Error bars reflect one standard deviation. PICC = peripherally inserted central catheter.

Temporal pattern of thoracic imaging resource utilization. The number of thoracic imaging studies performed during each of the nine 10-day blocks of the 3.5-month study period are shown for the patients in aggregate (all) and separated into those who did (ICU) and did not (non ICU) require mechanical ventilation. Note that the last patients were enrolled on July 18, 2009, and thus examinations performed on patients diagnosed after this date are not included.