ASGE Postgraduate Course at ACG: Innovative Practices for the Endoscopist of Today, Tomorrow and Beyond | October 2023-16

16_Young ASGE PG 23 Ergonomics

Pdf Summary

In "The Ergonomics of Endoscopy: How to be an Endoathlete!", Dr. Patrick E. Young discusses the prevalence and causes of musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) among endoscopists, emphasizing the importance of ergonomic practices to mitigate these issues. With an MSI rate as high as 75% among interventional gastroenterologists, the presentation highlights various contributing factors such as repetitive motions, constrained body positions, and forces surpassing safety standards.<br /><br />The injuries commonly affect the back, hands, and neck, with specific endoscopy-related factors exacerbating the problem, including high procedural volumes, duration of practice, and insufficient recovery times. Gender differences also play a role, with women having higher injury rates partly due to ergonomic designs not accommodating smaller hand sizes and strength variances.<br /><br />Dr. Young further elaborates on the impact of ergonomics during pregnancy, recommending modifications such as limiting standing time and using support gear to mitigate common issues like low back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.<br /><br />Several potential solutions are offered to address these challenges. These include environmental adjustments (e.g., monitor placement and bed height), technological advancements (e.g., disruptive technologies), and personalized feedback to reduce pain.<br /><br />The concept of thinking of oneself as an "endo-athlete" is emphasized, urging practitioners to incorporate personalized stretching and strengthening exercises. Additionally, the need for a team-based approach to ergonomics is stressed, with recommendations for ergonomic checklists, training, and assistive devices to enhance workplace safety.<br /><br />The session concludes with a call to advocate for better scope designs and to use current best practices such as optimizing room setup, positioning, and body mechanics. Practitioners are encouraged to prepare and empower their teams, apply personalized advice, and ensure the next generation is well-trained in ergonomic practices. The overarching message is the critical importance of ergonomic awareness and proactive measures to sustain the health and efficiency of endoscopy professionals.

Keywords

ergonomics

endoscopy

musculoskeletal injuries

Dr. Patrick E. Young

interventional gastroenterologists

ergonomic practices

gender differences

pregnancy ergonomics

environmental adjustments

endo-athlete