Aims Staff of endoscopy units share occupational risks predisposing to musculoskeletal
injuries (MSI) that cause disability and decrease productivity. It is advisable to
assess risk factors for MSI and to adopt solutions. Our objective was to evaluate
results of a pre-work training programme ([Table 1]).
Table 1
Methods Endoscopy staff was invited to participate in a 12-week programme:2 theoretical classes
followed by 34training sessions(10-minutes sessions 3 times a week)guided by a physiotherapist.They
previously answered the extended Nordic-Kuorinka questionnaire (eNKQ).After 12weeks,MSI
were assessed by VAS scale [1]
[2].
Results 46 workers responded the eNKQ,32 were evaluated, as they had a high endoscopic activity
(>110 hours/month for more than 6 months). Medium age was 48.3years and 87.7% were
women. The prevalence of MSI was higher in neck and shoulders (>70%). Endoscopists
had fewer low back pain than other categories(p=0.01). 90% of staff assisted to the
programme regularly: adherence rates 39.6% endoscopists, 73.2% nurses, 80.1% technicians
and 46% orderlies(p=0,03). At the end of the programme the severity of joint pain
was mostly low to medium(Table).The level of satisfaction with the programme was 71,4%.The
staff considered that it improved their stress level (76%), mood (81%) and working
relationship (100%). All participants considered the implementation of these programmes
to be adequate.
Conclusions This training programme showed high participation and satisfaction rates and mostly
low-medium intensities of joint pain. Participants felt that it improved their stress,mood
and working relationship.
