Ergonomic intervention through a physical training programme in a digestive endoscopy unit: The SONIA project

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.

 

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Conflicts of interest

Authors do not have any conflict of interest to disclose.

• 1 Shergill AK., Mc Quaid KR.. Ergonomic endoscopy: An oxymoron or realistic goal. Gastrointestinal Endosc 2019; 90 (06) 966-970
• 2 Harvin G.. Review of musculoskeletal injuries and prevention in the endoscopy practitioner. J Clin Gastroenterol 2014; 48 (07) 590-594

Publication History

Article published online:
14 April 2023