Jeanne M Horowitz1, Michael J Choe2, Linda C Kelahan2, Swati Deshmukh3, Gaurava Agarwal4, Vahid Yaghmai5, James C Carr2. 1. Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 St. Clair St, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60611. Electronic address: Jeanne.Horowitz@nm.org. 2. Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 St. Clair St, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60611. 3. Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215-5400. 4. Department of Psychiatry, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611. 5. Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Irvine UCI Health, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868.
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To determine if ergonomic improvements in a radiology department can decrease repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), advance ergonomics knowledge, and improve well-being. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiologists in an academic institution were surveyed regarding physician wellness, workstations, RSIs, and ergonomics knowledge before and after interventions over 1 year. Interventions included committee formation, education, wrist pads and wireless mice, broken table and chair replacement, and cord organization. Mann-Whitney U test was used for analysis. RESULTS: Survey response was 40% preinterventions (59/147), and 42% (66/157) postinterventions. Preinterventions, of radiologists with RSI history, 17/40 (42%) reported the RSI caused symptoms which can lead to burnout, and 15/40 (37%) responded their RSI made them think about leaving their job. Twenty-three of 59 (39%) radiologists had an active RSI preinterventions. Postinterventions, 9/25 (36%) RSI resolved, 13/25 (52%) RSI improved, and 3/25 (12%) RSI did not improve. RSI improvements were attributed to ergonomic interventions in 19/25 (76%) and therapy in 2/25 (8%). Radiologists who thought their workstation was designed with well-being in mind increased from 9/59 (15%) to 52/64 (81%). The percentage of radiologists knowing little or nothing about ergonomics decreased from 15/59 (25%) to 5/64 (8%). After ergonomics interventions, more radiologists thought the administration cared about safety and ergonomics, equipment was distributed fairly, and radiologists had the ability to ask for equipment (p < .01). Fifty-three of 64 (83%) of radiologists after interventions said improving workstation ergonomic design contributed to well-being. CONCLUSION: Ergonomic improvements in radiology can decrease RSIs, advance ergonomics knowledge, and improve well-being.
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To determine if ergonomic improvements in a radiology department can decrease repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), advance ergonomics knowledge, and improve well-being. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiologists in an academic institution were surveyed regarding physician wellness, workstations, RSIs, and ergonomics knowledge before and after interventions over 1 year. Interventions included committee formation, education, wrist pads and wireless mice, broken table and chair replacement, and cord organization. Mann-Whitney U test was used for analysis. RESULTS: Survey response was 40% preinterventions (59/147), and 42% (66/157) postinterventions. Preinterventions, of radiologists with RSI history, 17/40 (42%) reported the RSI caused symptoms which can lead to burnout, and 15/40 (37%) responded their RSI made them think about leaving their job. Twenty-three of 59 (39%) radiologists had an active RSI preinterventions. Postinterventions, 9/25 (36%) RSI resolved, 13/25 (52%) RSI improved, and 3/25 (12%) RSI did not improve. RSI improvements were attributed to ergonomic interventions in 19/25 (76%) and therapy in 2/25 (8%). Radiologists who thought their workstation was designed with well-being in mind increased from 9/59 (15%) to 52/64 (81%). The percentage of radiologists knowing little or nothing about ergonomics decreased from 15/59 (25%) to 5/64 (8%). After ergonomics interventions, more radiologists thought the administration cared about safety and ergonomics, equipment was distributed fairly, and radiologists had the ability to ask for equipment (p < .01). Fifty-three of 64 (83%) of radiologists after interventions said improving workstation ergonomic design contributed to well-being. CONCLUSION: Ergonomic improvements in radiology can decrease RSIs, advance ergonomics knowledge, and improve well-being.
Authors: Jeanne M Horowitz; Michael J Choe; Katelyn Dienes; Kenzie A Cameron; Gaurava Agarwal; Vahid Yaghmai; James C Carr Journal: Curr Probl Diagn Radiol Date: 2022-03-03