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[Pathologist occupational hazards: Results of a survey for the French case]
Alexandra Dervaux1, Benoît Vaysse2, Catherine Doutrellot-Philippon3
1Service d'anatomie et cytologie pathologiques, centre hospitalier universitaire d'Amiens-Picardie, place Victor-Pauchet, 80054 Amiens cedex 1, France.
Introduction:
The profession of pathologist exposes to various risks, notably infectious, physical and chemical. The objective of this study was to make an inventory of these occupational risks to which pathologists are subjected and to evaluate the pathologies that they presented. A particular attention was given to microscopic and screen work as they can induce musculoskeletal or ophthalmic disorders, and stress-related psychological disorders.
Method:
An anonymous online questionnaire containing 54 questions had been sent by mail to pathologists via the French Society of Pathology and the Syndicate of French Pathologists.
Results:
Five hundred and twelve pathologists responded to the survey. Thirty-eight percent reported musculoskeletal disorders in the last 6 months. Visual disturbances concerned 73.4% of respondents. In the last 12 months, 33.3% of pathologists had been injured or had had mucosal projections during macroscopic or autopsy specimens. The frequency of infectious diseases was low (6.2%) as well as that of cancers (3.9%). Psychological disorders such as depression or burnout were reported by 16.7% of respondents. Pathologists seemed happy at work and had a good overall lifestyle. Few doctors had medical follow-up and few had benefited from ergonomic advice and training on the risks of chemicals.
Conclusion:
The results of this study showed the interest of a medical surveillance adapted to the pathologies presented by the pathologists. Educational and preventive measures should be introduced early in the career, focusing on ergonomics and learning about chemical and biological hazards.
Insights
Pathologists face significant risks, including musculoskeletal and visual disorders, with over a third reporting issues. Enhanced medical surveillance and early career training on hazards are recommended for improved occupational health.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Pathology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pathologists encounter diverse occupational hazards, including infectious, physical, and chemical risks.
- Microscopic and screen work may lead to musculoskeletal, ophthalmic, and psychological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inventory occupational risks for pathologists.
- To evaluate the prevalence of pathologies among pathologists.
- To assess risks associated with microscopic work, screen time, and psychological well-being.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous online questionnaire with 54 questions was utilized.
- The survey was distributed to pathologists via the French Society of Pathology and the Syndicate of French Pathologists.
Main Results:
- 38% of 512 respondents reported musculoskeletal disorders; 73.4% experienced visual disturbances.
- 33.3% reported injuries from macroscopic or autopsy specimens in the past year.
- Low frequencies of infectious diseases (6.2%) and cancers (3.9%) were noted, but 16.7% reported psychological disorders.
Conclusions:
- Medical surveillance tailored to pathologists' specific health issues is crucial.
- Preventive strategies, including ergonomics training and education on chemical/biological hazards, should be implemented early in careers.
