Repetitive stress injury and burnout among radiology PACS Users: A Cross-Sectional departmental study
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Amy Lynn Schranz1, Paula Patino1, Alam Ammar2
1Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology, and Medical Physics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Objective:
Poor workstation ergonomics increase the risk of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and may contribute to adverse health outcomes among radiologists. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among radiologists within our department, identify ergonomic deficiencies, and explore associations between symptom burden and physician burnout.
Methods:
Data were collected through an anonymous REB-approved survey distributed to faculty, residents, and fellows in our radiology department. We collected demographic data and answers to the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire and the Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory. Multivariate linear regression was performed with total musculoskeletal symptom burden as the dependent variable, while predictors included demographic and burnout variables.
Results:
The departmental response rate was 61 %. Seventy-four percent of respondents reported at least one work-related musculoskeletal symptom, with neck and upper back pain being the most common. Of those affected, 85 % believed their workstation worsened their condition. Additionally, 79 % noted a component of their hospital workstation had been broken in the past year, and 87 % had never received formal ergonomic training. While 52 % responded that their musculoskeletal symptoms contributed to burnout, on multivariate analysis, work-related musculoskeletal symptom burden was significantly associated with higher emotional exhaustion (p = 0.02), with each unit increase in emotional exhaustion score associated with a 4.1-point increase in symptom burden.
Conclusion:
Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms are highly prevalent among radiology PACS users, highlighting a critical occupational health issue. The association between musculoskeletal symptom and emotional exhaustion underscores the need for further research examining whether ergonomic interventions and training may help improve physician well-being and mitigate physician burnout.
