Development of a Bronchoscopy-Radiologic Skills and Task Assessment Tool (BRadSTAT): A Tool for Evaluating the Radiological Skills of Bronchoscopists with Different Experience.

Background: Competency using radiologic images for bronchoscopic navigation is presumed during subspecialty training, but no assessments objectively measure combined knowledge of radiologic interpretation and ability to maneuver a bronchoscope into peripheral airways.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were (i) to determine whether the Bronchoscopy-Radiology Skills and Tasks Assessment Tool (BRadSTAT) discriminates between bronchoscopists of various levels of experience and (ii) to improve construct validity using study findings.

Methods: BRadSTAT contains 10 questions that assess chest X-ray and CT scan interpretation using multiple images per question and 2 technical skill assessments.

Bronchoscopy in Patients With Known or Suspected COVID-19: Results From the Global Pandemic SARS-CoV-2 Bronchoscopy Database (GPS-BD).

Background: Amid the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the benefits and risks of bronchoscopy remain uncertain. This study was designed to characterize bronchoscopy-related practice patterns, diagnostic yields, and adverse events involving patients with known or suspected COVID-19.

Methods: An online survey tool retrospectively queried bronchoscopists about their experiences with patients with known or suspected COVID-19 between March 20 and August 20, 2020.

A systematic review and metanalysis of diagnostic yield of BAL for detection of SARS-CoV-2.

Background: The gold standard for diagnosing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is microbiological confirmation by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) most commonly done using oropharyngeal (OP) and nasopharyngeal swabs (NP). But in suspected cases, where these samples are false-negative, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) may prove diagnostic.

Objectives: Hence, the diagnostic yield of BAL for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in cases of non-diagnostic upper respiratory tract samples is reviewed.

Sending retirees to the frontlines?

Facing an unprecedented surge of patient volumes and acuity, institutions around the globe called for volunteer healthcare workers to aid in the effort against COVID-19. Specifically being sought out are retirees. But retired healthcare workers are taking on significant risk to themselves in answering these calls.