The Current State of Surgical Ergonomics Education in U.S. Surgical Training

Abstract

SEE is rarely provided in any capacity (25.4%), let alone in a consistent or evaluable fashion (1.5%). Impediments to sustainable SEE include lack of an evidence-based framework for education and instructors. An evidence-based, reproducible, and accreditation council-compliant SEE module would be a valuable resource for the surgical and interventional medical communities.

Stretching and Strength Training to Improve Postural Ergonomics and Endurance in the Operating Room

“…19 A recent survey reported that only 1.5% (2/130) of surgical training programs provided formal surgical ergonomic education. 33 This lack of awareness supports the conclusions of these articles, suggesting that ergonomics and postural awareness should be a focus of surgical education from an early time point. 3 , 4 , 9 – 11 , 23 , 24 …”

Musculoskeletal Pain Survey Outcomes in Cleft Surgeons and Orthodontists

“…It is unclear how these disorders affect patients. One study demonstrated that the presence of musculoskeletal disorders influenced the choice of surgical approach and position (Epstein et al, 2019). These changes in approach can affect surgeon performance and subsequently outcomes.…”

“…One systematic review found that despite widespread ergonomic recommendations, 59% to 99% of surgeons were unaware of their institution’s recommendations and that 0% had received mandatory training (Stucky et al, 2018). Others found that only 26% of surgeons were even aware of ergonomic recommendations (Epstein et al, 2019). Though our data show that the most common complaints are spine and shoulder related, the unique requirements of cleft surgeons and orthodontists predispose them to hand- and wrist-related musculoskeletal disorders.…”

Surgeon Strength: Ergonomics and Strength Training in Cardiothoracic Surgery

“…Trainees across the board felt that learning ergonomic skills was a worthwhile investment of their time. 30 As such, we should aim to implement an ergonomics program as early as surgical rotations during clinical years of medical school.…”

“…In a survey of program directors of 14 surgical and interventional medical specialties, none of the surveyed integrated cardiothoracic surgery residencies had any formal or informal ergonomics education. 30 Given the broad range of areas that fall under surgical ergonomics, it can seem difficult for program directors to begin incorporating it into an already packed surgical curriculum. However, a basic ergonomics module can be composed of 2-3 instances of education totaling 1-3 hours of both didactic and hands-on training by an ergonomist, physical therapist, or surgeon.…”