Safeguarding the Endoscopy Suite: Ergonomic Strategies

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar, hosted by the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and sponsored by Olympus Corporation of the Americas, focused on safeguarding endoscopy suites through ergonomics. Tamara James, an ergonomist from Duke University, highlighted the importance of ergonomics in healthcare, particularly for gastroenterologists who face high rates of musculoskeletal injuries due to repetitive and high-force tasks in awkward postures. James distinguished between microergonomics, which addresses individual discomfort and is reactive, and macroergonomics, which involves organizational changes for long-term solutions. She stressed the significance of ergonomic awareness and education, supported by studies showing reduced discomfort following ergonomic interventions. The webinar also emphasized the need for a cost-benefit analysis rather than a simple ROI to justify the expenses of ergonomic interventions. A video demonstrated practical ergonomic strategies for endoscopy suites, such as adjusting bed height, taking micro-breaks, and using ergonomic-friendly equipment. The session concluded with Olympus sharing how their technologies can reduce risks of endoscopic-related injuries. The Q&A session addressed practical ways to advocate for ergonomic changes in healthcare settings, and additional resources, including a book by James, were recommended for further learning.

Keywords

ergonomics

endoscopy

musculoskeletal injuries

microergonomics

macroergonomics

healthcare

Olympus Corporation