Radiologic and Sonography Professionals’ Ergonomics

Abstract

There is a prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) associated with the work of radiologic professionals, especially those doing sonographic examinations. This may be due to the fact that their daily work tasks expose them to the physical risk factors associated with WRMSDs. The purpose of this study was to examine whether radiologic professionals' knowledge and work practices changed after receiving an educational multimedia tutorial on ergonomics. After multimedia training on ergonomics and safe body mechanics designed by occupational therapy providers, participants reported that their awareness and their work practices improved.

Knowledge and use of work‐related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD) prevention techniques in the daily practice of final‐year Australian sonography students: A cross‐sectional study

“…13,16 This is encouraging for early career sonographers, given the high prevalence of pain reported among both student and qualified sonographers. 11,12 Our results are in contrast to those of Scholl and Salisbury, 2 reporting two-thirds of participants had not received ergonomics education during their sonographic education programs. In the same study, the median number of scanning experience years for qualified sonographers in their study was 21, so many were likely to have developed scanning habits at a time when ergonomic practices were not regularly considered and possibly not a part of sonography education curriculum.…”

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Despite significant improvements to the ergonomics of ultrasound equipment over the previous two decades, the prevalence of work-related pain among sonographers is currently reported at a rate above 90%. [3][4][5]11,12 A high prevalence rate has similarly been reported among sonography students, which is of concern, given they are just beginning their professional career. 13,14 Ergonomic interventions involve the adjustment of a users' workspace and environment for the prevention of WRMSD, however, these can only be effective if utilised.…”

“…16,17 These findings emphasise the importance of sonographer-specific ergonomics education, the formation of safe scanning behaviours, and the need for the constant reinforcement of ergonomic practices within the student population. 12,14,16,17 Although sonography students may learn some WRMSD prevention techniques during their education, the nature of their work means they are at greater risk of developing a future WRMSD if they do not use these techniques effectively. 12,16,17 The aim of this research was to investigate the theoretical knowledge of a subset of WRMSD prevention techniques that final-year sonography students possess, to investigate the students use of these techniques to prevent future WRMSD.…”

“…12,14,16,17 Although sonography students may learn some WRMSD prevention techniques during their education, the nature of their work means they are at greater risk of developing a future WRMSD if they do not use these techniques effectively. 12,16,17 The aim of this research was to investigate the theoretical knowledge of a subset of WRMSD prevention techniques that final-year sonography students possess, to investigate the students use of these techniques to prevent future WRMSD. This research will inform on how the injury prevention techniques selected for this study were implemented among this cohort of sonography students.…”

Neck and upper extremity pain in sonographers – a longitudinal study

“…Sonographers are skilled health care professionals who perform ultrasound examinations [1]. Such examinations are becoming increasingly common due to improved technology and knowledge, and a growing need [2]. However, conducting sonography is associated with risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) such as awkward postures and sustained static forces [3][4][5].…”