Next Steps for Ergonomics Research in Sonography

Sommerich, Carolyn M.

doi:10.1177/8756479318791513

Cited by 2 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Sonographers are frequently faced with a range of patient‐handling tasks, including support, stabilisation, transfers, and physical assistance for poor patient positioning 1‐3 . In private practice, these tasks are often performed alone and unaided by equipment 2 . There is conflicting research as to what level of manual handling is within a sonographer's scope of practice and, therefore, what training they have and/or require in order to move patients 1‐3 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In private practice, these tasks are often performed alone and unaided by equipment 2 . There is conflicting research as to what level of manual handling is within a sonographer's scope of practice and, therefore, what training they have and/or require in order to move patients 1‐3 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Other unassisted manoeuvres include moving patients with no additional personnel to assist or with no lifting or positioning devices 1 . There are currently no requirements for employers within Australia to provide annual patient‐handling training specifically for sonographers 1‐3 . Legislation has customarily focused on risk factors relating to patient‐handling tasks among professions such as nurses, orderlies and attendants 1,2,4 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There are currently no requirements for employers within Australia to provide annual patient‐handling training specifically for sonographers 1‐3 . Legislation has customarily focused on risk factors relating to patient‐handling tasks among professions such as nurses, orderlies and attendants 1,2,4 . The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) provides policies to nurses and midwives within Australia, including the policy, “Safe Patient Handling.” 4 The ANMF works with Safe Work Australia (SWA), among others, to provide a protected approach to patient‐handling, with the elimination or minimisation of manual lifting, wherever possible and practical 4 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The incidence of Australian private practice sonographers moving patients unassisted and their level of training: A pilot study

2020

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Studies to date do not ascertain the incidence of sonographers moving patients unassisted. There is further conflicting research as to what level of manual assistance of patients is within a sonographer's scope of practice and what training they have or require in order to do so. The aim of this study was to ascertain the incidence of Australian private practice sonographers moving patients unassisted and determine what training these sonographers have in order to appropriately perform these procedures. This research is a pilot study with the results obtained through an online questionnaire. The survey results returned a sample size of n = 35, showing that 94.29% (n = 33) of Australian sonographers are moving patients unassisted for ultrasound examinations. It further portrays the need for change through education as 71.43% (n = 25) of sonographers state to have received no manual handling training throughout their career. There is also a lack of clear guidelines for sonographers regarding patient moves. This research exposes the need for guidelines similar to other health professionals, particularly nurses, who have such guidelines in place to avoid injury and work‐related musculoskeletal disorders.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

The incidence of Australian private practice sonographers moving patients unassisted and their level of training: A pilot study

2020

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Cross-disciplinary Prevalence and Associated Factors for Work-Related Discomfort in Users of Ultrasonography: Implications for Sonography Professionals and Health Care Administrators

Roll

Fukumura

Sommerich

et al. 2023

Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

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Objective: Work-related discomfort is a pervasive issue among ultrasonography users. The Sonography Work Systems (SWS) framework was constructed as a means of examining relationships within and across components of the sonography work systems, work processes, and work/worker outcomes. A database of ultrasonography users was established as a foundation for a longitudinal survey study to examine worker health and well-being and explore the most salient work systems and process factors associated with work-related discomfort. Materials and Methods: An estimated 100 000 unique ultrasonography users were invited to complete the online questionnaire through an e-mail campaign. Snowball sampling occurred through social media posts and encouragement for respondents to share the survey link with colleagues. The questionnaire included items that examined participant demographics, selected constructs from the SWS, and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort, visual discomfort, and headaches. Individual and multi-factorial regression models were conducted to examine SWS factors associated with the likelihood of experiencing the three types of work-related discomfort. Results: A total of 3659 valid responses were included in the analysis, with 86% of respondents reporting that they regularly experienced musculoskeletal discomfort that they directly attributed to their work. About half (54.2%) of the respondents have engaged in sonography-related ergonomics training, and respondents indicated using adjustable equipment approximately 74% of the time. Workplace culture was rated as primarily positive, but respondents indicated that employers implement only two of seven commonly recommended ergonomic policies and procedures. Working in an organization with more policies, using adjustable equipment more frequently, taking more work breaks, engaging in a positive work culture, and minimizing interruptions to workflow were key factors associated with reduced likelihood of work-related discomfort. Conclusion: This study provides a new framework for examining and addressing factors that contribute to ultrasonography users’ experience of work-related discomfort. Despite increased participation in ergonomics training and the use of adjustable equipment, the prevalence of work-related discomfort remains high among ultrasonography users. The findings highlight the need for attention to be directed at organizational factors and work processes to identify and implement evidence-based solutions to improve the health and well-being of medical ultrasound users.

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Next Steps for Ergonomics Research in Sonography

Cited by 2 publications

References 5 publications

The incidence of Australian private practice sonographers moving patients unassisted and their level of training: A pilot study

The incidence of Australian private practice sonographers moving patients unassisted and their level of training: A pilot study

Cross-disciplinary Prevalence and Associated Factors for Work-Related Discomfort in Users of Ultrasonography: Implications for Sonography Professionals and Health Care Administrators

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