Ergonomic evaluation of the work area of the scrub nurse

Current ergonomic solutions in the operating room focus on patients and surgeons. The work environment of the scrub nurse has not been studied before. In this article the work environment is described and the potential ergonomic problems are addressed. Practical short-term solutions are provided and our design vision for future operating rooms is presented. Neck and back problems result from attempts of the scrub nurse to create an unobstructed view of the operating field and from reaching for instruments on instrument tables. Height-adjustable foot stools, better monitor placement and ergonomically designed instrument tables will help to decrease neck and back torsion. Soft supports placed on resting points of instrument tables will decrease pressure on arms, abdomen, and legs. Standing supports, allowing semi-standing postures will decrease leg fatigue. The current state of the work environment of the scrub nurse is not optimal. Future studies should focus on problems in the ergonomics of their work environment to enable optimal product design for the scrub nurse.