MERS Coronavirus Surveillance and Alert System in Qatar Radiography

This report details a study on the efficiency of a MERS-CoV surveillance protocol implemented in the Emergency and Radiography Departments of Hamad General Hospital, Qatar. The research aimed to contain cross-infectivity and improve patient risk management during emergencies. A retrospective chart review was conducted, and a triage system based on international guidelines was developed to screen suspected MERS-CoV patients. The results showed that the surveillance protocol reduced the number of patients requiring testing and improved the accuracy and turnaround time in the Radiography Department. The protocol also helped in identifying high-risk patients and enhanced radiographers' approach to MERS patients, and also controlled the behavioral parameters of the patients. The study concludes that the surveillance system reduced the burden of MERS-CoV on the Emergency Department and improved the efficiency of care for patients with respiratory diseases like MERS. The report highlights the importance of efficient surveillance systems to address respiratory diseases in the Middle East.

Author/presenter
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Hissa Mohammed
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Radiology Supervisor
HMC
Doha, Qatar
Abstract Title * MERS coronavirus surveillance and alert system in radiography department in Qatar
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1- Background
2- Methods
3- Results
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Background
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), categorised as a moderate-to-severe respiratory syndrome, is
characterised by fever, dyspnoea, and cough. This research examines the efficiency of a MERS coronavirus (MERS-
CoV) surveillance protocol in the Emergency and Radiography Departments of Hamad General Hospital, Qatar (1).
The work focuses on containing cross-infectivity and points out that, during emergencies, the departments focus on
minimising patient risk. It also recognizes positive MERS-CoV cases and presents methods for increasing the
efficiency of the departments’ radiography interventions.
Methods
For approximately a month, a retrospective chart review was carried out for all patients with suspected MERS-CoV
at the time of emergency presentation. A specific triage system was developed, generated over a period of one
month, based on international guidelines, to screen identified MERS-CoV patients. After chest radiography was
completed, the diagnosed samples (which are previously taken) were sent for laboratory testing, and the results

were analyzed (2). The samples were taken from two groups of patients, one who had the middle eastern
respiratory syndrome (MERS) and another from the patients who did not have the middle eastern respiratory
syndrome (MERS).
Results
The surveillance protocol, based on age and symptoms, and lowered the number of patients who had to be tested
for MERS-CoV from 12,563 to 514. The protocol also enhanced the Radiography Department’s accuracy and
reduced the turnaround time (3). The surveillance helped providers identify the right patients and the protocols
used changed the radiographers’ perspectives concerning how to care for MERS patients. Behavioural parameters
of the patients (which are involved with coming in close contact with others with the infection) were also controlled
in a pertinent manner.
Conclusion
An efficient, protocolised surveillance system in the Radiography Department reduced the burden of MERS-CoV on
the Emergency Department by allowing providers to more easily recognise and prioritise high-risk patients.
Casualties from improperly controlled respiratory cases are increasing in Middle Eastern countries. However,
advancements and proper supervision tools in radiography departments would increase the efficiency of the care
delivered to those suffering from Middle Eastern respiratory diseases, like MERS.
References (Numbered, in Vancouver Format, maximum of 3 refs) *
1. Al Khawaja S, Al Romaihi E, Al Agha R. Miliary tuberculosis in Bahrain: case reports and epidemiology
review. Int J Microbiol Infect Dis. 2018;2(3):1-5.
4. Zumla A, Hui DS, Perlman S. Middle East respiratory syndrome. The Lancet. 2015;386(9997): 995-1007.
5. Varughese S, Read JG, Al-khal AL, Saleh SA, El Deeb Y, Cameron PA. Effectiveness of the Middle East
Respiratory Syndrome-coronavirus protocol in enhancing the function of an Emergency Department in Qatar. Eur J
Emerg Med. 2015 Oct;22(5):316.
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Radiography, emergency, infection control, epidemic and respiratory syndrome.
Ethical Approval * This Quality Improvement study was approved by the Clinical Imaging Department at
Hamad Medical Corporation
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