Description
Ergonomics in endoscopy is a crucial consideration for healthcare professionals performing these procedures. It involves optimizing the work environment and equipment to enhance operator comfort, minimize physical strain, and improve overall performance. Proper ergonomic design encompasses factors such as adjustable equipment height, comfortable handgrips, and adequate visual displays, aiming to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and operator fatigue. Implementation of ergonomic principles not only prioritizes the well-being of endoscopists but also contributes to procedural efficiency, ultimately enhancing patient care and safety in the field of endoscopy.
Summary Listen
- Ergonomics in endoscopy focuses on redesigning the workplace and job details to prioritize the safety and well-being of endoscopists. Musculoskeletal injuries are a significant concern, affecting up to 89% of endoscopists in some studies. These injuries can impact various body parts, with upper back and limb issues being more prevalent in women, and lower back pain more common in men. Repetitive movements are the primary cause, leading to repetitive strain injuries.
- Procedure volume and endoscopic gender are key predictors of musculoskeletal injuries. Endoscopists with over 15 years of experience, more than 16 hours of scoping per week, or those who spend over 40% of their time on endoscopy are at higher risk. Female endoscopists have a significantly elevated risk due to factors like smaller hand size and weaker hand strength, highlighting design flaws in current endoscopes. Pregnancy exacerbates these risks, with pregnant endoscopists experiencing higher rates of low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tenosynovitis.
- A model for occupational health and safety prioritizes eliminating or substituting hazards, but in endoscopy, ergonomic controls and personal protective equipment are more practical. Guidelines from ASGE emphasize adjustable beds and monitors, proper positioning of endoscopy towers, and the use of floor mats. The "cigar rolling technique" for colonoscopy, along with regular stretching, is also recommended.
- Practical points for preventing musculoskeletal injuries include recognizing that equipment design is often a contributing factor, creating a culture of safety, and challenging patient perspectives. Endoscopists should acknowledge their limitations, request custom-made equipment if needed, and apply ergonomic time-outs before each procedure. Maintaining good posture, adjusting equipment as needed, and taking micro-breaks for stretching are also crucial.
- Additional measures for pregnant endoscopists include limiting standing time, using footrests and floor mats, supporting the lower back, and wearing wrist splints. Using two-piece lead aprons, sitting for rest periods, and performing stretches during procedures can alleviate shoulder strain. Ergonomics training should cover cognitive, technical, and non-technical skills, including dictation and stretching techniques.
Sample Certificate
About the Speakers
Mahmoud Omar
Professor Emeritus, Consultant and Clinical Director, Digestive Diseases and Endoscopy Department, New Mowasat Hospital, Salmiya, Kuwait
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