Musculoskeletal Pain and Injury in Nurses and Technicians Assisting With Endoscopic Retrograde...

Performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures is associated with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and injury in physicians. Previous studies have explored MSK symptoms among those who assist with endoscopy in general; this study aims to describe the prevalence and predictors of MSK pain and injury specifically among nurses and technicians who assist with ERCP. An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to nurses and technicians involved in ERCP procedures at institutions affiliated with the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Out of 150 respondents, 92.7% reported experiencing at least one MSK symptom, with 61.5% attributing these symptoms to assisting with ERCP. Additionally, 36% reported a diagnosis of MSK conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome (13.33%), lumbar radiculopathy (7.33%), and De Quervain's tenosynovitis (6%). Only 20% of participants received prior training on ergonomics in endoscopy; 80.7% of the participants expressed interest in injury prevention training. Most of those surveyed report an MSK pain symptom, with more than half attributing this pain to assisting with ERCP procedures. Future studies into specific risk factors for MSK pain and injury in nurses and technicians are advised and can inform policies and procedures for preventing injury.