A study of the experiences of participants following attendance at a workshop on methods to prevent or reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders amongst sonographers

Gibbs, Vivien; Young, Pat

doi:10.1016/j.radi.2011.02.003

Cited by 19 publications

(71 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…This study suggests that many sonography students and sonographers are aware of the risks of WRMSDs in their role and are also aware of many of the preventive strategies that might be used to reduce their chances of acquiring a WRMSD when scanning. However, many sonographers and students, because of the pressures of workload, prioritize getting through their scanning list and adopt suboptimal postures and techniques that in turn put them at risk for acquiring a WRMSD …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Advances in the field of US imaging have increased demands on the service and hence increased the workload of sonographers, with fewer opportunities to incorporate rest breaks within the workday. This has increased the incidence of conditions such as carpel tunnel syndrome and upper limb, shoulder, and neck problems …”

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confidence: 99%

“…Group training can encourage colleague support, and this could be adapted and incorporated into the field of sonographer training . Educational programs are a crucial part of any prevention program in reducing the incidence of WRMSDs . Programs need to be well‐designed and evidence‐based and use reflective learning from previous interventions to be successful .…”

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confidence: 99%

“…More recently, it was reported that although attendees found educational sessions to play an important role in raising awareness, after 12 months many sonographers had returned to their old bad habits, suggesting the need for continued regular training to combat WRMSDs …”

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confidence: 99%

“…To be successful, prevention programs need to consider both biomechanical and psychological causes . There needs to be a readiness for change among both managers and staff, and knowledge needs to be openly discussed and shared to bring about positive changes in any WRMSD‐prevention program . Occupational therapists seem to be playing a useful role in developing preventive strategies for WRMSDs by analyzing job tasks in relation to ergonomics, the person's physical fitness and ability, and the general work behavior .…”

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confidence: 99%

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Survey of UK sonographers on the prevention of work related muscular-skeletal disorder (WRMSD)

Bolton

Cox

2014

J. Clin. Ultrasound

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Abstract:Background. To establish whether the current training of student sonographers in both academic and clinical settings is sufficient for educating about the dangers of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs).Methods. A dual method of data collection was undertaken. Initially, a focus group was set up, involving a small group of practicing sonographers from a hospital in the United Kingdom, with the results of that survey being used to design a postal survey questionnaire. The questionnaire focused on ergonomics, scanning technique, training in physical techniques, personal general health, risk, stress, and task management. It was sent to seven participating universities across the United Kingdom. Approvals were obtained from the local ethics committees, the hospital Trust, and the academic institution.Results. The focus group highlighted several areas in which improvements could be made in educating sonographers on the reduction of WRMSDs. The questionnaire results indicated that students are being taught about certain aspects of WRMSD prevention by both their university and clinical mentors. Respondents received training on the prevention of WRMSDs: 97% in the university setting and 81% from clinical mentors.Conclusions. Improvements need to be made in terms of educating students to perform muscle strengthening exercises during the workday; to have a system of reporting injury; to consider personal health, well-being, and stress management in the workplace; and to evaluate the ergonomics of computer workstations.Keywords: work-related musculoskeletal disorders; ultrasound; sonographer; education; musculoskeletal; occupational diseases More than 80% of sonographers in the United Kingdom have reported experiencing pain from repeatedly performing sonographic (US) examinations.1 Sonographers are scanning an increasing number of patients per session and are often working without taking protected breaks and rest periods.Sonography is an expanding modality, with applications in obstetrics and gynecology, general abdominal and small parts, vascular, and musculoskeletal imaging.3 Sonographers are increasingly developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), and more than 80% of sonographers in the United Kingdom are reporting pain from US scanning.4,5 WRMSDs are caused by small repetitive stresses to muscles and tendons that occur over time and include conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, and epicondylitis.6

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

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Survey of UK sonographers on the prevention of work related muscular-skeletal disorder (WRMSD)

Bolton

Cox

2014

J. Clin. Ultrasound

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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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AIUM Practice Principles for Work‐Related Musculoskeletal Disorder

2023

J of Ultrasound Medicine

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The prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) among ultrasound professionals has been significant. National and international efforts to create industry standards have focused primarily on injuries in sonographers. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) have published documents related to this occupational exposure. There has also been significant attention on equipment utilization and design to help reduce the prevalence of WRMSDs. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) developed the AIUM Practice Principles for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder in collaboration with other organizations whose members use ultrasound [see Collaborating Societies and Representatives]. This document supports the "Industry Standards for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography" and aims to expand on these Standards to include safety practices for all health care professionals who utilize ultrasound. These professionals include members of the scientific community, a wide variety of medical professionals, and dental professionals. These ultrasound users and operators will collectively be referred to in this document as "operator(s)" except in those instances where data addressed those holding a specific job title, such as sonographer. In addition, this document will support guidance for quality improvement specific to preventing and reducing injury rates.

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A study of the experiences of participants following attendance at a workshop on methods to prevent or reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders amongst sonographers

Cited by 19 publications

References 13 publications

Survey of UK sonographers on the prevention of work related muscular-skeletal disorder (WRMSD)

Survey of UK sonographers on the prevention of work related muscular-skeletal disorder (WRMSD)

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

AIUM Practice Principles for Work‐Related Musculoskeletal Disorder

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