Occupational musculoskeletal pain in cardiac sonographers compared to peer employees: a multisite cross‐sectional study

Orme, Nicholas M.; Pislaru, Sorin V.; Askew, J. Wells; Lennon, Ryan J.; Lewis, Bradley R.; Rihal, Charanjit S.; Pellikka, Patricia A.; Singh, Mandeep

doi:10.1111/echo.13344

Cited by 12 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…This study reveals that the age group of 30 to 39 years had a higher prevalence of WRMSDs of the neck and back compared with the age group of 20 to 29 years, which may suggest that physiological tissue degeneration and attenuated recovery of injured tissues of the neck and back are more obvious with age than those of other regions. The relationship between age and WRMSDs was still uncertain because of different population characteristics, sample sizes, group divisions, and other confounders 6 , 16 , 28 , 33) .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is well recognized that sonographers are at high risk of developing WRMSDs. Over the past few decades, researchers in a growing number of countries have conducted studies to determine the prevalence and potential risk factors of WRMSDs among sonographers 4 - 6) . The reported prevalence of WRMSDs among sonographers ranges from 63% to 98.7%, which is extremely high 7) .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sonographers in China: results from a national web-based survey

Zhang

Huang

2017

Journal of Occupational Health

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Objectives: The aims of present study were to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among sonographers in China and to provide evidence for appropriate intervention measures to be taken. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was used to screen WRMSDs experienced by sonographers during the past 12 months. This questionnaire survey was created and hosted on the WeChat official account platform for sonographers. Results: In the present study, 567 sonographers from 521 medical institutions completed the questionnaire. The vast majority (99.3%) of respondents reported experiencing symptoms of WRMSDs for at least one body region during the past 12 months. Work-related musculoskeletal pain or discomfort was most frequently reported for the neck (95.1%), right shoulder (84.1%), lower back (82.4%), right wrist/hand (81.0%), upper back (78.1%), right forearm/elbow (72.0%), and left shoulder (66.1%). Scanning hours per day, number of patients per day, and years of experience were positively associated with the occurrence and frequency of experiencing WRMSDs of some common and specific anatomical regions. Taking a regular rest break during the scanning working day was associated with a reduction of WRMSDs of the right shoulder and right wrist/hand. Adopting a sitting posture while performing scanning was associated with a reduction of WRMSDs, particularly for the lower back and the neck. Performing regular physical activity during leisure time was associated with a reduction of WRMSDs of the neck. Conclusions: The prevalence of WRMSDs among sonographers in China was extremely high. It is necessary and essential to reduce the number of scanning hours and patients per day, adopt a sitting posture while performing scanning, schedule regular rest breaks during the scanning working day, and encourage performance of regular physical activity during leisure time to alleviate this WRMSD issue experienced by sonographers.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sonographers in China: results from a national web-based survey

Zhang

Huang

2017

Journal of Occupational Health

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“…Several reports have demonstrated that some level of musculoskeletal pain occurs in over 85% of those performing echocardiography. 32,38,39 Adult transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is physically demanding for the operator due to the long protocols and restricted transducer positioning. 40 Imaging from the apical window allows little room to maneuver the ultrasound transducer as it is wedged between the patient and the bed.…”

Section: Echocardiographymentioning

confidence: 99%

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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“…Echocardiography-related demands include maintaining awkward postures with tight imaging windows, limited movement, and constant handgrip pressure, which collectively increase the risk of WMSP [ 1 , 2 ]. This pain adversely affects sonographers’ quality of life, physical health, and well-being [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. It is also a common cause of work restrictions, sickness, and absenteeism owing to occupational injuries, imposing additional financial implications on employers [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and Burden of Musculoskeletal Pain among Cardiac Sonographers in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Al Saikhan,

Alshami

2024

JCM

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Background: Cardiac sonographers are at a high risk for work-related musculoskeletal pain (WMSP), a major occupational health problem. With limited research on WMSP prevalence among this population in Saudi Arabia, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and impact of WMSP in cardiac sonographers in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia compared to a control group of healthcare professionals. Methods: An electronic survey was administered to cardiac sonographers (study group) and other healthcare professionals (control group) exposed to different occupational hazards, including allied healthcare professionals, physicians, and nurses. Modified versions of the Nordic, QuickDASH, and QuickDASH work questionnaires were used. The χ2 test was performed for comparisons. Results: A total of 168 participants completed the survey (mean age: 31.6 ± 7.7 years). Among them, 127 (76.1%) were females, comprising 61 (36.3%) sonographers and 107 (63.7%) controls. Overall, WMSP was more common (82% versus 65%, p = 0.020) and severe (p = 0.041) in cardiac sonographers than in controls. The most affected body regions in cardiac sonographers were the shoulders (72.0% versus 29.0%), followed by the hands (56.0% versus 24.6%), compared to those of the control participants. Pain experienced by cardiac sonographers significantly interfered with social and work-related activities (p < 0.05 for all). A higher number of cardiac sonographers planned to change their profession than control participants (41% versus 15.2%; p < 0.0001) owing to pain. Conclusions: WMSP was more common and severe in cardiac sonographers than in control participants of other healthcare professions in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia and interfered significantly with their social and work-related activities and future employment plans. Therefore, preventive interventional studies are required in the future.

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Occupational musculoskeletal pain in cardiac sonographers compared to peer employees: a multisite cross‐sectional study

Abstract: In this multisite cross-sectional study, cardiac sonographers experienced significantly more work-related pain and missed more work due to pain than peer employees within cardiology/radiology departments.

Cited by 12 publications

References 20 publications

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sonographers in China: results from a national web-based survey

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sonographers in China: results from a national web-based survey

AIUM Practice Principles for Work‐Related Musculoskeletal Disorder

Prevalence and Burden of Musculoskeletal Pain among Cardiac Sonographers in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

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