Musculoskeletal Symptoms Amongst Clinical Radiologists and the Implications of Reporting Environment Ergonomics—A Multicentre Questionnaire Study

Abstract

This multicentre study aimed to assess compliance of the reporting environment with best ergonomic practice and to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms related to working as a radiologist. All 148 radiology trainees and consultants in 10 hospitals across the region were invited to complete a musculoskeletal symptoms and reporting ergonomics questionnaire. Best ergonomic reporting practice was defined, following literature review, as being able to alter the following: monitor, desk, chair and armrest height, chair back support, ambient light, and temperature. The frequency that these facilities were available and how often they were used was determined. One hundred and twenty-three out of 148 (83 %) radiologists responded, and 38 % reported radiologyassociated occupational injury. Lower back discomfort was the commonest radiology associated musculoskeletal symptom (41 %). Only 13 % of those with occupational injury sought the advice of occupational health. No reporting environments conformed completely to best ergonomic practice. Where certain facilities were available, less than a third of radiologists made personal ergonomic adjustments prior to starting a reporting session. Radiologists who had good selfassessed knowledge of best ergonomic practice had significantly less back discomfort than those with poor self-assessed knowledge (P <0.005). We demonstrated high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms amongst radiologists. Poor compliance of the reporting environment with best ergonomic practice, in combination with our other findings of a low level of ergonomic awareness, low rates of making ergonomic adjustments and seeking appropriate help, may be implicated. We hope this study raises awareness of this issue and helps prevent long-term occupational injury amongst radiologists from poor ergonomic practice.

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

“…Some studies have addressed ergonomic strategies to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms among radiologists. Rodrigues et al demonstrated a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in radiology workstations that show poor compliance with ergonomic best practices [40]. Boiselle et al showed that although musculoskeletal symptoms are highly prevalent among radiologists, ergonomic interventions can effectively reduce these symptoms [18].…”

“…For example, around 25% of radiologists in our study reported never making personal adjustments of workstation height despite an adjustable workstation. One study reported that radiologists with good knowledge of ergonomics experienced significantly less lower back pain compared to those with poor knowledge [40]. Furthermore, the same study demonstrated that even where certain facilities were available, less than a third of radiologists made personal adjustments prior to a reporting session.…”

Utilization of the Family and Medical Leave Act in Radiology Practices According to the 2016 ACR Commission on Human Resources Workforce Survey

“…FMLA leave may be needed by the radiologist for chronic mental health conditions such as burnout [12], depression [13], and impairment [14]. Radiologists may need FMLA for chronic work-related physical conditions such as repetitive stress injury [15,16] and cataracts [17,18]. Alternatively, chronic physical conditions likely unrelated to work, such as multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer, may precipitate the need for a leave of absence under FMLA.…”

Methods of Radiology Reports Generation and Patterns of Associated Musculoskeletal Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Multi-Center Study

“…Good ergonomic knowledge is of paramount importance. A previous study reported that radiologists with good ergonomic knowledge experienced significantly less lower back pain than did those with poor knowledge [22].…”