Musculoskeletal Injuries Affecting Radiologists According to the 2017 ACR Human Resources Commission Workforce Survey

Assessment of Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Evaluation of Radiology Workstation Ergonomics in a National Radiology Workforce

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

We assessed the presence of musculoskeletal discomfort and evaluated the ergonomics parameters of radiology workstations and the impact of poor radiology workstation ergonomics on musculoskeletal discomfort in a national radiology workforce.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. All radiologist and radiology trainee members of the Canadian Association of Radiologists were eligible to participate. Radiology workstation ergonomics parameters and self-reported data on musculoskeletal discomfort were recorded. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to the data to ascertain the impact of participants' radiology workstation ergonomics parameters on the likelihood of experience of musculoskeletal discomfort while adjusting for demographic variables.

RESULTS

A total of 191 questionnaires were completed. The median (interquartile range) age of participants was 42.0 years (17.0 years) and 56.8% of participants were female. One hundred fifty participants (78.5%) self-reported the presence of musculoskeletal discomfort. Ergonomics parameters most commonly implemented included having monitors an arm's length away (82.6%) and hands being shoulder-width apart (77.1%). Binary logistic regression revealed participants either not having the top of the monitor screen at eye level when in a seated position or not having the wrists straight and relatively flat when using the mouse was associated with an increased likelihood of experience of musculoskeletal discomfort. The majority of participants (92.7%) self-reported their musculoskeletal discomfort to affect work productivity.

CONCLUSION

A high proportion of musculoskeletal discomfort, limited implementation of ergonomics parameters of radiology workstations, and an association of two of these ergonomics parameters with an increased likelihood of experience of musculoskeletal discomfort were observed in a national radiology workforce.

Medical workforce in the United States

This section focuses on the professional workforce comprised of the primary medical specialties that utilize ionizing radiation in their practices. Those discussed include the specialties of radiology and radiation oncology, as well as the subspecialties of radiology, namely diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, nuclear radiology, and nuclear medicine. These professionals provide essential health care services, for example, the interpretation of imaging studies, the provision of interventional procedures, radionuclide therapeutic treatments, and radiation therapy. In addition, they may be called on to function as part of a radiologic emergency response team to care for potentially exposed persons following radiation events, for example, detonation of a nuclear weapon, nuclear power plant accidents, and transportation incidents. For these reasons, maintenance of an adequate workforce in each of these professions is essential to meeting the nation's future needs. Currently, there is a shortage for all physicians in the medical radiology workforce.

Role of Ergonomic Improvements in Decreasing Repetitive Stress Injuries and Promoting Well-Being in a Radiology Department

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To determine if ergonomic improvements in a radiology department can decrease repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), advance ergonomics knowledge, and improve well-being.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Radiologists in an academic institution were surveyed regarding physician wellness, workstations, RSIs, and ergonomics knowledge before and after interventions over 1 year. Interventions included committee formation, education, wrist pads and wireless mice, broken table and chair replacement, and cord organization. Mann-Whitney U test was used for analysis.

RESULTS

Survey response was 40% preinterventions (59/147), and 42% (66/157) postinterventions. Preinterventions, of radiologists with RSI history, 17/40 (42%) reported the RSI caused symptoms which can lead to burnout, and 15/40 (37%) responded their RSI made them think about leaving their job. Twenty-three of 59 (39%) radiologists had an active RSI preinterventions. Postinterventions, 9/25 (36%) RSI resolved, 13/25 (52%) RSI improved, and 3/25 (12%) RSI did not improve. RSI improvements were attributed to ergonomic interventions in 19/25 (76%) and therapy in 2/25 (8%). Radiologists who thought their workstation was designed with well-being in mind increased from 9/59 (15%) to 52/64 (81%). The percentage of radiologists knowing little or nothing about ergonomics decreased from 15/59 (25%) to 5/64 (8%). After ergonomics interventions, more radiologists thought the administration cared about safety and ergonomics, equipment was distributed fairly, and radiologists had the ability to ask for equipment (p < .01). Fifty-three of 64 (83%) of radiologists after interventions said improving workstation ergonomic design contributed to well-being.

CONCLUSION

Ergonomic improvements in radiology can decrease RSIs, advance ergonomics knowledge, and improve well-being.

Prevalence of Burnout in Breast Imaging Radiologists

OBJECTIVE

Burnout is defined as a psychological syndrome arising as a response to chronic prolonged interpersonal job-related stress. Physician burnout has been increasingly recognized over the past decade as an epidemic within the United States. The goal of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of burnout amongst practicing breast imaging radiologists.

METHODS

A survey contained demographic questions based on workforce surveys carried out by the American College of Radiology and a validated condensed version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) evaluating the three aspects of burnout. The radiologist members of the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) received the survey internally from the SBI as a weekly e-mail with a web link to the survey from February 19, 2019, to March 13, 2019. The link allowed respondents to complete the survey anonymously. The authors were blinded to the SBI mailing list and the SBI was blinded to the responses.

RESULTS

A total of 370 breast imaging radiologists from the SBI responded to the survey. Overall, 290 out of 370 (78.4%) were highly burned out in at least 1 measured dimension of burnout; 197 out of 362 (54.4%) were highly burned out in at least 2 dimensions of burnout; and 27 out of 362 (7.5%) were highly burned out in all 3 dimensions of burnout. However, rates of personal accomplishment were high, with only 8.8% experiencing high burnout in the dimension of personal accomplishment.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates a high prevalence of burnout amongst breast imaging radiologists. Burnout rates were highest in the youngest breast imaging radiologists.

Musculoskeletal symptoms among radiologists in Saudi Arabia: a multi-center cross-sectional study

Background

Musculoskeletal symptoms account for the majority of work-related illnesses resulting in a significant economic burden on society. Computer users are subject to unique repetitive strains that predispose them to musculoskeletal symptoms. In the digitalized field of radiology, radiologists spend long hours interpreting medical images on computers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among radiologists in Saudi Arabia and their contributing factors.

Methods

An online survey was sent to radiologists in all hospitals (academic, public and private) in the major cities of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia covering demographic characteristics, workload (e.g. the time spent at a computer workstation), and workstation environments including the number of monitors as well as the adjustability of the height of the workstation and the viewing distance. This survey of 263 radiologists was conducted in April 2019. It included an evaluation of musculoskeletal symptoms using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The study outcome was the presence of disabling musculoskeletal symptoms in any body region, which restricted the performance of normal activities in the last 12 months. Results were analyzed descriptively using a Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to estimate the odd ratio of experiencing disabling musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 12 months.

Results

The survey was completed by 198 participants (111 men and 87 women) with a response rate of 75.3%. Most participants (71.2%) were aged below 40 years. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed being a female radiologist (OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2–6.5), aged 30–39 years (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.1–15.3), and predominantly reviewing computed tomography (CT) images (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.4–12.3) or ultrasound scans (OR = 5.9; 95% CI: 1.4–25.3) were associated with higher prevalence of disabling musculoskeletal symptoms, compared to those aged below 30 years and those who reviewed various imaging modalities, respectively.

Conclusions

Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among radiologists with lower back and neck pain being the most frequent complaints. Being a female radiologist, aged 30–39 years, and reviewing CT or ultrasound scans were associated with higher rates of disabling musculoskeletal symptoms.

Non-radiation occupational hazards and health issues faced by radiologists – A cross-sectional study of Indian radiologists

Context: Radiologists as a group face unique occupational health hazards among which musculoskeletal injuries, chronic eye strain, and others are yet to receive adequate attention. Constant mental strain due to demanding turnaround times and work pressures may lead to burnout and depression. These combine to decrease overall work satisfaction and productivity. Aims: To study the prevalence of various health issues faced by radiologists in India and to assess whether specific demographic and occupational factors are associated with an increased risk. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional observational study conducted as a voluntary anonymous electronic survey. Methods and Materials: A 36-item survey was sent to radiologists through email and social media. All respondents who completed survey were included in the study. Questions regarding workload, repetitive stress injuries, eye strain, burnout, and so on were asked. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test was used to test significance of correlation (P < 0.05). Results: In all, 383 radiologists completed the survey. A high prevalence of repetitive stress injuries, chronic eye strain, depression, and burnout was found. Significant correlation was found between repetitive stress injuries and burnout. Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PCPNDT) related issues and work overload were the most common causes of high stress levels. Radiologists whose practices followed ergonomic design showed significantly less prevalence of neck pain. Conclusion: Radiologists in India have a high prevalence of repetitive stress injuries, chronic eye strain, and burnout, along with unique mental stressors such as PCPNDT-related issues.