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Manual medicine related injuries experienced by physicians: a missing aspect in therapies using manipulation of
Jost Steinhaeuser1, Katja Goetz2, Andreas Oser3
1Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Vossstrasse 2, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany ; Institute of Family Medicine, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany.
Abstract:
Background. In 2010 Manual Medicine (MM) was the second most common additional qualification among physicians in Germany, which is recommended to be used in several guidelines. Aim of this analysis was to raise the amount of information on MM related injuries (MMri) experienced by physicians at any point of their career while applying MM. Methods. Data on MMri of a questionnaire that was used to gain first insights into MM in Germany from a health services research perspective was analysed. Results. A total of 301 physicians (20% female) participated in this study. The participants' mean age was 46. 11% of the participants experienced some kind of MMri during their career as a MM provider. In the three worst cases these MMri were fractures and therefore classified as moderate. Mild MMri were joint dysfunction syndromes (N = 30), distortions of fingers (N = 7), and shoulder pain (N = 3). Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in the rate of MMri when comparing gender, provider organizations for postgraduate MM courses, and medical disciplines. Conclusion. Our analysis shows risks for providers of MM. As this analysis suffers from the risk of recall bias, future studies should be performed to get more insights into this aspect of MM.
Insights
Manual Medicine (MM) providers face risks, with 11% experiencing MM-related injuries (MMri) like fractures and joint dysfunction. Further research is needed to fully understand these occupational hazards.
Area of Science:
- Medical Practice
- Occupational Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Manual Medicine (MM) is a common additional qualification for physicians in Germany.
- MM is recommended in several clinical guidelines.
- Limited data exists on MM-related injuries (MMri) experienced by physicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and types of MM-related injuries (MMri) among physicians.
- To provide insights into the occupational risks associated with practicing Manual Medicine.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from a questionnaire assessing MMri in German physicians.
- Study included 301 physicians, with a mean age of 46 years.
- Data collected from a health services research perspective.
Main Results:
- 11% of participating physicians reported experiencing MM-related injuries (MMri).
- Reported MMri included moderate injuries (fractures) and mild injuries (joint dysfunction, finger distortions, shoulder pain).
- No significant differences in MMri rates were found based on gender, training organization, or medical discipline.
Conclusions:
- Physicians practicing Manual Medicine are at risk of experiencing MM-related injuries.
- The study highlights the need for further investigation due to potential recall bias.
- Future research should aim to gather more comprehensive data on MMri.
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