Sue Hignett1, Diane Gyi2, Lisa Calkins2, Laura Jones2, Esther Moss3. 1. Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom. Electronic address: s.m.hignett@lboro.ac.uk. 2. Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom. 3. University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom.
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) in gynaecological minimal access surgery (MAS), including bariatric (plus size) patients DESIGN: Mixed methods (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: Teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. MEASUREMENTS: Survey, observations (anthropometry, postural analysis), and interviews. RESULTS: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) were present in 63% of the survey respondents (n = 67). The pilot study (n = 11) identified contributory factors, including workplace layout, equipment design, and preference of port use (relative to patient size). Statistically significant differences for WRMSD-related posture risks were found within groups (average-size mannequin and plus-size mannequin) but not between patient size groups, suggesting that port preference may be driven by surgeon preference (and experience) rather than by patient size. CONCLUSION: Some of the challenges identified in this project need new engineering solutions to allow flexibility to support surgeon choice of operating approach (open, laparoscopic or robotic) with a workplace that supports adaptation to the task, the surgeon, and the patient.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) in gynaecological minimal access surgery (MAS), including bariatric (plus size) patients DESIGN: Mixed methods (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: Teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. MEASUREMENTS: Survey, observations (anthropometry, postural analysis), and interviews. RESULTS: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) were present in 63% of the survey respondents (n = 67). The pilot study (n = 11) identified contributory factors, including workplace layout, equipment design, and preference of port use (relative to patient size). Statistically significant differences for WRMSD-related posture risks were found within groups (average-size mannequin and plus-size mannequin) but not between patient size groups, suggesting that port preference may be driven by surgeon preference (and experience) rather than by patient size. CONCLUSION: Some of the challenges identified in this project need new engineering solutions to allow flexibility to support surgeon choice of operating approach (open, laparoscopic or robotic) with a workplace that supports adaptation to the task, the surgeon, and the patient.
Authors: Manuel Hita-Gutiérrez; Marta Gómez-Galán; Manuel Díaz-Pérez; Ángel-Jesús Callejón-Ferre Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-04-12 Impact factor: 3.390