Ergonomics in the Development and Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injury in Interventional Radiologists

Network analysis of occupational stress and job satisfaction among radiologists

Background

Occupational stress and job satisfaction significantly impact the well-being and performance of healthcare professionals, including radiologists. Understanding the complex interplay between these factors through network analysis can provide valuable insights into intervention strategies to enhance workplace satisfaction and productivity.

Method

In this study, a convenience sampling method was used to recruit 312 radiologists for participation. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, job satisfaction measured by the Minnesota job satisfaction questionnaire revised short version (MJSQ-RSV), and occupational stress assessed using the occupational stress scale. Network analysis was employed to analyze the data in this study.

Results

The network analysis revealed intricate patterns of associations between occupational stress and job satisfaction symptoms among radiologists. Organizational management and occupational interests emerged as crucial nodes in the network, indicating strong relationships within these domains. Additionally, intrinsic satisfaction was identified as a central symptom with high connectivity in the network structure. The stability analysis demonstrated robustness in the network edges and centrality metrics, supporting the reliability of the findings.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the complex relationships between occupational stress and job satisfaction in radiologists, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions and support strategies to promote well-being and job satisfaction in healthcare settings.

Occupational Risks of Radiation Exposure to Cardiologists

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Invasive cardiologists are exposed to large amounts of ionizing radiation. This review aims to summarize the main occupational risks in a radiation-exposed cardiology practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

We carried out a literature review on the subject. The studies reviewed allowed us to list six main health risk categories possibly associated with radiation exposure among cardiologists: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and biochemical damages; cancers; ocular manifestations; olfaction, vascular, and neuropsychological alterations; musculoskeletal problems; and reproductive risks. Our descriptive analysis demonstrates higher risks of DNA damage and lens opacities among radiation-exposed cardiology staff. Surveys and questionnaires have demonstrated a higher risk of musculoskeletal disease in exposed workers. Studies reported no difference in cancer frequency between radiation-exposed workers and controls. Changes in olfactory performance, neuropsychological aspects, and vascular changes have also been reported. Limited literature supports the security of continuing radiation-exposed work during pregnancy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to increase knowledge of the occupational risks of radiation exposure and to adopt technologies to reduce them.

Prevalence of disability secondary to work-related musculoskeletal injuries among orthopaedic surgeons

Background

Orthopaedic surgeons encounter many work-place hazards that can lead to musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) and their clinical sequelae. This study aims to evaluate musculoskeletal injuries among orthopaedic surgeons and compare their rates of disability claims and time off work. Additionally, this study provides a perspective on the financial impact of work-related injuries among orthopaedic surgeons.

Methods

An electronic survey was developed to assess work-place hazards among orthopaedic surgeons. The survey included questions on demographics, musculoskeletal injuries, and disabilities. Electronic surveys were emailed to all current members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) between March and April 2021 in the United States. Descriptive statistics were run for all variables and chi-squared and t-tests when applicable.

Results

1645 members of the AAOS completed the survey (7.03 % response rate), and 243 (14.9 %) reported a work-related injury to their place of employment at some point during their career. Of the respondents, 1129 (76.4 %) reported having active disability insurance, and 61 (3.7 %) orthopaedic surgeons filed a disability claim secondary to a work-related injury at some point during their career. Of the surgeons that claimed disability, 39 (66.1 %) returned to work, and 20 (33.9 %) had an early retirement. Foot/ankle injuries led to the highest rates of early retirement overall (62.5 %).

Conclusion

This study captures the prevalence of disability claims made by orthopaedic surgeons due to work-place hazards. To our knowledge, this is the first study to broadly compare disability claims amongst orthopaedic surgeons. This data should be used to implement changes in the orthopaedic community to decrease injuries and disability claims.

Musculoskeletal disorders among sonographers in secondary care hospitals in the city of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among sonographers have raised significant concerns in recent years. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of WMSDs and identify risk factors for WMSDs among sonographers. To date, there is little research on WMSDs among sonographers in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to contribute to the Saudi literature by filling this gap. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among sonographers (n = 98) working in four major governmental hospitals in the city of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The participants completed a validated, self-administered questionnaire that focused on the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms among sonographers. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 35.5±9 years. The majority of the participants were female (71.4%), non-Saudi (51%), and working as technicians (49%). The prevalence rates of shoulder and neck disorders among the participants were 65.3% and 57.1%, respectively. Gender (female), job title (sonography technicians), and years of experience (seasoned sonographers) were identified as risk factors for WMSDs. CONCLUSIONS: Among the studied sonographers, WMSDs were a significant, common problem. Being female, being a sonography technician, and being a seasoned sonographer were identified as risk factors for these disorders. Preventive measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of WMSDs in this occupational setting.

Evaluating the physical, psychosocial and ergonomic burden of lead aprons among Jordanian interventionists: a nationwide study

Objectives. This study assessed the physical and psychological burden of lead apron use on Jordanian interventionists and investigated the attitudes and knowledge of interventional personnel toward ergonomic guidelines and practices. Methods. A cross-sectional investigation of a randomly sampled Jordanian cohort of interventional personnel was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire.

Results. A nationwide sample of 130 practitioners with a mean 9.3 ± 8.1 years of experience in interventional procedures participated. Practitioners were aware of their apron's weight but not of its lead equivalence (71.5%). More than 60% of respondents complained of back pain. While 66.9% did not develop musculoskeletal pathologies, 64.3% of those with already established musculoskeletal pathologies experienced worse pain due to apron usage. Despite believing in the effect of lead aprons on muscular strain and work performance, 78.5% adhere to its usage. In terms of ergonomics, only 39.2% were aware of ergonomic guidelines; however, 90.0% believe that ergonomic practices are essential as 49.2% have experienced discomfort due to bad ergonomics. In terms of psychological burden, anxiety and depression were suggested in 16.4 and 21.6% of the sample.

Conclusion. Jordanian interventionists portray positive attitudes toward lead aprons; nevertheless, their awareness of ergonomic practices warrants the implementation of evidenced-based interventions.

Ergonomics and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Characteristics Among Female Interventionists

Interventional radiology is a procedural specialty that performs minimally invasive operations under image guidance. Currently, there are inadequate ergonomic protocols for work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) prevention in interventional radiology (IR), and there is a paucity of information discerning gender differences in WMSDs. This article reviews current literature that addresses WMSDs in female physicians practicing interventional and fluoroscopic procedures, including interventional radiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, vascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and gastroenterology. We searched PubMed and EBSCOhost databases for ergonomic studies that reported female physician WMSDs in the specialties listed above. After a thorough evaluation for inclusion based on eligibility criteria, 11 studies were included. From this search, there was poor female representation, averaging 25.7% of respondents. Several characteristics identified across the studies were that women were generally shorter, wore smaller glove sizes, and were younger than their male colleagues. Seventy-two percent of female proceduralists reported WMSDs versus 46.6% of their male colleagues. Additionally, women may experience more upper extremity pain than lumbar pain, which men commonly reported. Potential contributing factors to WMSDs are the size and design of procedural tools and the possible predisposition of female physicians to experience upper extremity WMSDs while performing the same operations as men. As more women enter medicine and pursue careers in procedural fields like interventional radiology, it is essential to address these discrepancies and develop ergonomically sound solutions for women.

Ergonomics in Interventional Radiology: Awareness Is Mandatory

Ergonomics in interventional radiology has not been thoroughly evaluated. Like any operators, interventional radiologists are exposed to the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The use of lead shielding to radiation exposure and the lack of ergonomic principles developed so far contribute to these disorders, which may potentially affect their livelihoods, quality of life, and productivity. The objectives of this review were to describe the different situations encountered in interventional radiology and to compile the strategies both available to date and in development to improve ergonomics.

Ergonomics in IR

Ergonomic research in the field of interventional radiology remains limited. Existing literature suggests that operators are at increased risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders related to the use of lead garments and incomplete knowledge of ergonomic principles. Data from existing surgical literature suggest that musculoskeletal disorders may contribute to physician burnout and female operators are at a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. This review article aims to summarize the existing ergonomic challenges faced by interventional radiologists, reiterate existing solutions to these challenges, and highlight the need for further ergonomic research in multiple areas, including burnout and gender.

Anti-X Apron Wearing and Musculoskeletal Problems Among Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Scoping Review

Interventional radiology activities and other medical practices using ionising radiation have become increasingly prevalent. In this context, the use of anti-X aprons, in association with awkward postures and non-ergonomic working conditions, might cause the onset of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This research aims to evaluate the evidence about the correlation between wearing anti-X aprons and work-related MSDs. A systematic scoping review of articles published between 1990 and 2020 was conducted by searching the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Twelve cross-sectional studies, conducted among interventional physicians, nurses, and technicians, were finally included. Five studies primarily investigated the association between use of anti-X aprons and MSDs, showing that a higher prevalence of disorders was not always associated with the use of protective aprons. No studies investigated the impact of anti-X aprons on fitness for work assessment, particularly in subjects with MSDs. There is no complete agreement about the correlation between anti-X apron-wearing and the occurrence of MSDs, although the possible discomfort of workers using anti-X aprons appears more evident. Further studies are needed to objectify the role of these protective devices in the genesis of MSDs and to offer specific ergonomic solutions for healthcare workers.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Interventional Radiologists

PURPOSE

To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, defined as aches, pains, discomfort, or numbness, by using a validated assessment tool among interventional radiologists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Web-based survey using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was disseminated to interventional radiologist members by email in November 2015. Musculoskeletal symptoms were evaluated in 9 body areas. Information regarding participant demographics, practice details, use of radio-protective equipment, and exercise routines was also gathered. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors associated with more severe symptoms.

RESULTS

Of 4,096 SIR members at the time of the survey, 640 completed the questionnaire in its entirety (16% response rate). Respondents consisted of 69 females (11%) and 571 males (89%), with a mean age of 47.5 ± 10.2 years old, a mean body mass index of 25.5 ± 3.9 kg/m², and a mean practice length of 17.1 ± 9.8 years. Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 88% in the 12 months preceding the survey. For those reporting musculoskeletal issues, 58% attributed the symptoms to work-related activities. Lower back (61%), neck (56%), and shoulder complaints (46%) were the most common. Symptoms prevented 21.2% of respondents from being able to work over the same time period. Multivariate analysis identified female gender, above-normal body mass index, and a practice length of 10 years or more as factors associated with a higher risk of moderate-to-severe symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Musculoskeletal symptoms are prevalent among interventional radiologists, the majority of which are attributed to work-related causes.

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.