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The impact of intraoperative microbreaks with exercises on surgeons: A multi-center cohort study
M S Hallbeck1, B R Lowndes2, J Bingener3
1Mayo Clinic's Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
Abstract:
Recent literature has demonstrated ergonomic risk to surgeons in the operating room. One method used in other industries to mitigate these ergonomic risks is the incorporation of microbreaks. Thus, intraoperative microbreaks with exercises in a non-crossover design were studied. Fifty-six attending surgeons from 4 Medical Centers volunteered first in a day of their regular surgeries and then second day where there were microbreaks with exercises that could be performed in the sterile field, answering questions after each case, without significantly increasing the duration of their surgeries. Surgeons self-reported improvement or no change in their mental focus (88%) and physical performance (100%) for the surgical day incorporating microbreaks with exercises. Discomfort in the shoulders was significantly reduced while distractions and flow impact was minimal. Eighty-seven percent of the surgeons wanted to incorporate the microbreaks with exercises into their OR routine. Intraoperative microbreaks with exercises may be a way to mitigate work-related musculoskeletal fatigue, pain and injury.
Insights
Intraoperative microbreaks with exercises can reduce surgeon fatigue and shoulder discomfort without increasing surgery time. Most surgeons found these breaks improved focus and performance, with 87% wanting to continue them.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Surgeons face significant ergonomic risks in the operating room.
- Microbreaks are utilized in other industries to mitigate ergonomic risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of intraoperative microbreaks with exercises on surgeon well-being and performance.
- To assess the feasibility of incorporating these microbreaks into the surgical routine.
Main Methods:
- A non-crossover study involving 56 attending surgeons across 4 medical centers.
- Surgeons participated in regular surgery days and days with intraoperative microbreaks and exercises in the sterile field.
- Data collected via self-reported outcomes on mental focus, physical performance, distractions, and flow impact.
Main Results:
- 88% of surgeons reported improved or unchanged mental focus; 100% reported improved or unchanged physical performance.
- Significant reduction in shoulder discomfort was observed.
- Distractions and impact on surgical flow were minimal.
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative microbreaks with exercises show promise in mitigating work-related musculoskeletal fatigue, pain, and injury for surgeons.
- The majority of surgeons expressed a desire to integrate these microbreaks into their regular operating room practice.
- Microbreaks offer a feasible strategy to enhance surgeon well-being without compromising surgical efficiency.
