Collaborating with mammographers to address their work-related musculoskeletal discomfort

Abstract

Mammographers are an understudied group of healthcare workers, yet the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms in mammographers appears to be elevated, similar to many occupations in healthcare. In this study, we used a participatory approach to identify needs and opportunities for developing interventions to reduce mammographers’ exposures to risk factors that lead to development of MSK symptoms. In this paper, we present a number of those needs and several intervention concepts along with evaluations of those concepts from experienced mammographers. We include findings from a preliminary field test of a novel intervention concept to reduce the need to adopt awkward postures while positioning patients for a screening or diagnostic mammogram.

Design and Development of an Ergonomic Trolley-Lifter for Sheet Metal Handling Task: A Preliminary Study

“…Inputs from end users were helpful in determining the design direction by the research team. The participatory approach in designing ergonomic interventions has been reported in other studies [28], [29], [30], [31] and has generally shown positive responses from their targeted end users. The participatory approach allows the research team to identify the issues to focus on the technicians themselves.…”

Collaborating With Sonographers and Vascular Technologists to Develop Ergonomics Interventions to Address Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

“…The new methods and devices had to be viewed as useful and usable by the imaging technologists, and feasible to implement by their managers. This level of intervention research is considered to be “Developmental Research” within the Intervention Research Process described by Goldenhar et al 18 This effort was part of a larger study to involve participants and researchers in jointly developing interventions for five types of imaging technologists: DMS, VT, cardiac sonographers, 19 mammographers, 20 and radiographers.…”

Next Steps for Ergonomics Research in Sonography

“…Dr. Evans is a visionary in education and research in the world of sonography, and I feel fortunate to have the pleasure and gain the intellectual benefits of working with him for more than a decade on research to address the multifaceted and persistent problem of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in sonographers and other imaging professionals. [1][2][3] My approach to ergonomics research and practice is participatory and collaborative. Successful ergonomics intervention begins with ergonomics education so that workers who are exposed to risk factors for WRMSDs can fully participate in a sustainable solution process and recognize the full complement of benefits to embracing ergonomics and making it "how we work."…”

“…Dr. Evans is a visionary in education and research in the world of sonography, and I feel fortunate to have the pleasure and gain the intellectual benefits of working with him for more than a decade on research to address the multifaceted and persistent problem of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in sonographers and other imaging professionals. 1–3…”