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Stress and Strain: Ergonomic Practices and Associated Injuries Among Pediatric Surgeons
Sydney F Tan1, Michael Stellon1, Devashish Joshi1
1Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.
Insights
Pediatric surgeons face high rates of ergonomic injuries, with 90% reporting discomfort and 30% sustaining injuries, impacting well-being. Ergonomic training and collaborative surgery can mitigate these risks.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Practice
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Ergonomic injuries present substantial risks to surgeons' health and careers.
- Pediatric surgery involves unique ergonomic challenges due to patient size and procedure variability.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the ergonomic practices and injury prevalence among pediatric surgeons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the ergonomic practices and identify associated injuries in pediatric surgeons.
- To investigate the prevalence of discomfort and injury in this surgical subspecialty.
- To explore potential modifiable factors influencing ergonomic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to members of the American Pediatric Surgical Association.
- Data included demographics, surgical habits, and self-reported discomfort and injuries.
- Statistical analyses employed Fisher's exact test, Pearson's Chi-squared test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.
Main Results:
- Nearly 90% of respondents reported discomfort or pain, with 30% sustaining injuries, predominantly in the neck/cervical spine.
- Operating habits included infrequent breaks (76%) and regular use of loupes (51%).
- Ergonomic training was received by only 18%, and training/co-surgeon presence correlated with reduced injury.
Conclusions:
- Ergonomic issues are highly prevalent among pediatric surgeons, significantly impacting their well-being and contributing to burnout.
- Few surgeons receive formal ergonomic training, highlighting a critical gap in education.
- Targeted interventions addressing modifiable ergonomic factors are crucial for improving pediatric surgeon health and preventing injuries.
Introduction:
Ergonomic injuries pose significant risks to surgeons, affecting health, productivity, care access, and retirement age. Despite unique challenges in pediatric surgery, including varied patient sizes and operations, little is known about pediatric surgeons' ergonomics. This study aimed to assess ergonomic practices and associated injuries among pediatric surgeons.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was distributed to the American Pediatric Surgical Association regular members and fellows. Data collected included demographics, physical health, surgical practices, operating habits, discomfort, injuries, interventions, and outcomes. Associations with injury were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, Pearson's Chi-squared test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.
Results:
One hundred seventeen (11%) surgeons responded, 53% were male with a median of 15 y in practice (interquartile range: 6-25). Regarding operating habits, 76% did not take regular breaks, 48% double-gloved, and 51% used loupes regularly. Notably, 90% experienced discomfort or pain, and 30% sustained injuries from operating, primarily affecting the neck and cervical spine (53%). White-identifying pediatric surgeons (80%) reported significantly more ergonomic injuries than other races (P < 0.01). Only 18% of respondents received ergonomic training. Ergonomics training and operating with a resident or co-surgeon were associated with less injury (P < 0.05). Among those experiencing discomfort or injury, 13% underwent a procedure, 63% experienced sleep disturbance, 74% reported contribution to burnout, and 88% used pain medications.
Conclusions:
Ergonomic-related discomfort and injuries occurred in nearly 90% of pediatric surgeons who responded. Few had ergonomic training and most reported an impact on well-being. Modifiable ergonomic factors for pediatric surgeons, along with targeted interventions to reduce injuries, can improve surgeon well-being.
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