The Importance of an Ergonomic Workstation to Practicing Sonographers

Baker, Joan P.; Coffin, Carolyn T.

doi:10.7863/ultra.32.8.1363

Cited by 42 publications

(80 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…It provides precise information and there is very little risk of adverse events for the patient (Douglas et al, 2007;Frank, 2015). Sonographic examinations have become more common over the past decades (Baker and Coffin, 2013;Schoenfeld et al, 1999), with an increase in the number of examinations and hours of scanning per day for sonographers (Baker and Coffin, 2013;Russo et al, 2002). This may lead to higher prevalence of WMSDs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neck and upper extremity pain in sonographers – Associations with occupational factors

et al. 2017

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Sonographers have a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders. This study explores the associations between working conditions and musculoskeletal pain based on the frequency and intensity of pain in the neck and upper extremities. A questionnaire was answered by 291 female sonographers. High prevalence of neck/shoulder pain was associated with eye complaints and headache related to work on the computer, dissatisfaction with the computer workstation, high mechanical exposure index (MEI) and high demands. The possibility to adjust the keyboard and chair, and adequately corrected eyesight were positive factors. High prevalence of elbow/hand pain was associated with performing echocardiography, computerrelated eye complaints, high MEI and high job and sensory demands. In echocardiography, working with a straight wrist and holding the transducer with a two-handed grip or alternating hands was associated with a low prevalence of elbow/hand pain. Thus, further improvements in the working conditions are possible and are recommended.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neck and upper extremity pain in sonographers – Associations with occupational factors

et al. 2017

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“…The room should be of an adequate size, to enable safe working practices, 8 with lighting that does not cause glare on the monitor and heating that is appropriate for the working conditions. 7,8 Shoulder Arm abduction can lead to reduced blood flow to the shoulder and increased risk of injury. 7,15,16 Research evidence suggests that the shoulder is a common site for injury, 1,3 thus when scanning it is recommended that arm abduction should be less than 30 .…”

Section: Ergonomicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…7,8 Shoulder Arm abduction can lead to reduced blood flow to the shoulder and increased risk of injury. 7,15,16 Research evidence suggests that the shoulder is a common site for injury, 1,3 thus when scanning it is recommended that arm abduction should be less than 30 . 13,16 The patient should be as close to the ultrasound practitioner as possible, to reduce arm abduction ( Figure 1).…”

Section: Ergonomicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Workload management issues Common symptoms of WRMSD include aches and pains, stiffness in the joint, pins and needles sensation, tingling and/or a burning sensation. 4,7 Some people will see evidence of an injury, with physical signs of swelling and/or warmth in the region, whilst others may not. Initially, pain may be transient and improve when not scanning.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Common causes of WRMSD in ultrasound practitioners include 1,4,[6][7][8][9] . Poor and/or static posture .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in ultrasound: Can you reduce risk?

Harrison

Harris

2015

Ultrasound

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Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a common cause of pain and sickness absence for ultrasound practitioners. This article aims to provide background information about factors increasing the chance of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and potential ways to reduce risk. Factors influencing ultrasound professionals' likelihood of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders include poor posture, repetitive movements, transducer pressure and poor grip, stress, workload, limited support or sense of control and other psychosocial factors. The impact of these risk factors on the health and well being of ultrasound practitioners can be reduced by following recommendations published by professional bodies and the Health and Safety Executive. Ultrasound practitioners should remember that optimising the examination should not be at the detriment of their health. Some hints and tips to reduce the chance of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders are provided.

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Musculoskeletal pain amongst Australian sonography students and recent graduates and an evaluation of the use of ergonomic education for prevention

Bonutto

Kennedy

Quinton

2020

Australas J Ultrason Med

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Introduction/Purpose: Sonographers develop pain whilst scanning and may not consistently adhere to ergonomic recommendations. The aim was to quantify this within Australian sonography students and recent graduates and to determine whether a relationship exists between: (i) pain and failure to adhere to ergonomic recommendations; and (ii) theoretical and practical ergonomic education during university and clinical placement, and the adherence to recommendations. Methods: Online questionnaire distributed to Australian student sonographers and sonographers until two years post-graduation. Results: During scanning, 33/39(84.62%) experienced musculoskeletal pain, and 21/33 (63.64%) experienced pain less than 1.76 full-time equivalent (FTE) days during the two FTE week period. The majority, 37/39 (94.87%), were not consistently adhering to recommendations, with 25/37 (67.57%) only doing so for less than 2.1 FTE days during two FTE weeks. Failure to adhere to ergonomic recommendations and development of musculoskeletal scanning pain was positively correlated (r = 0.7 (P = 0.01)). All participants had received some form of ergonomic education. This education was theoretical and practical during university and clinical placement for 24/39 (61.54%); however, receiving this resulted in no difference for adherence to ergonomic recommendations. Qualitative data demonstrated high workloads, scanning patients with increased body habitus or limited mobility were potential barriers to adherence to ergonomic recommendations. Discussion: Ergonomic education occurs, yet a lack of knowledge and adherence to recommendations continues. Considerations for other potential barriers are required. Conclusion: Ensuring students adhere to ergonomic recommendations post-graduation and identifying relevant barriers within the clinical environment are important. Future research to investigate potential barriers around ergonomic adherence is suggested.

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The Importance of an Ergonomic Workstation to Practicing Sonographers

Cited by 42 publications

References 16 publications

Neck and upper extremity pain in sonographers – Associations with occupational factors

Neck and upper extremity pain in sonographers – Associations with occupational factors

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in ultrasound: Can you reduce risk?

Musculoskeletal pain amongst Australian sonography students and recent graduates and an evaluation of the use of ergonomic education for prevention

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