Repetitive stress symptoms among radiology technologists: prevalence and major causative factors

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of repetitive stress symptoms among radiology technologists working in a fully digital radiology department and to ascertain which work-related factors contribute most to their symptoms.

A survey instrument was designed by occupational health specialists and administered to 225 technologists working in a large academic medical center radiology department. Data gathered included the presence of repetitive stress symptoms and prior diagnoses of repetitive stress syndrome. Respondents were also asked whether they spent >2 hours per day in an awkward posture (a screening question to identify individuals at risk for ergonomic injuries). Additionally, respondents were asked to identify which factors among a list of items contributed most to their symptoms.

A total of 104 responses were received (response rate 46%). Repetitive stress symptoms were reported by 73 respondents (70%), and prior diagnoses of repetitive stress syndrome were reported by 44 (42%). Seventy-one respondents (68%) reported spending >2 hours per day in an awkward posture. Regarding the factors that were perceived to contribute most to repetitive stress symptoms, items related to patients and imaging equipment were cited much more frequently than those related to computers. The most commonly cited factors were patient transfer (33%), ultrasound probes (23%), heavy imaging equipment (20%), non-ergonomic chairs (19%), and lead aprons (10%).

Repetitive stress symptoms are highly prevalent among radiology technologists working in a fully digital department but are primarily perceived to be related to tasks unrelated to computers. Thus, efforts to reduce the risk for injury should be focused primarily on improved ergonomics of patient transfer and imaging equipment.