Endoscopy 2025; 57(S 02): S141
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1805370
Abstracts | ESGE Days 2025
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Ergo, ergonomics! 04/04/2025, 16:45 – 17:45 Room 118+119

Ergonomics and endoscopy-related injuries among endoscopists and endoscopy nurses. Results of international and multicenter survey

J Tejedor-Tejada
1   Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes, Gijón, Spain
,
L Sánchez-Sanmamed
1   Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes, Gijón, Spain
,
B Hermida
2   Hospital Valle del Nalón, Langreo, Spain
,
C Gómez-Díez
3   Fundación Hospital de Jove, Gijón, Spain
,
E Hernández
1   Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes, Gijón, Spain
,
A Villar
1   Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes, Gijón, Spain
,
C Camblor
1   Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes, Gijón, Spain
,
A ÁLvarez
1   Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes, Gijón, Spain
,
J M Pérez-Pariente
1   Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes, Gijón, Spain
› Author Affiliations
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    Aims The aim was to determine the prevalence, risk factors, patterns of endoscopy-related injury (ERI) and endoscopist knowledge of ergonomics.

    Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study, using 20-item electronic survey to investigate musculoskeletal symptoms and ERI, was conducted on 126 (77.8%) endoscopists and 36 (22.2%) endoscopic nurses from 56 centers.

    Results Overall, 162 respondents (56.8% women, 93.2% right-handed and median age 40 years [RIC 33-48 years]) from 21 countries participated. 42.1% of endoscopists and 27.8% of nurses had more than ten years of experience in performing endoscopy. Musculoskeletal symptoms and ERI on at least one anatomic location were reported frequently by 68.3% of endoscopists and 86.1% of nurses (p=0.002). 83 (70.9%) participants had pain at multiple areas. ERI was most common in lower back (95.3% vs 96.7%, p=0.110), neck (93% vs 80.6%, p=0.013) and right hand/finger/wrist (83.7% vs 61.3% p=0.005) among symptomatic endoscopists and nurses, respectively. Twenty-one percent of symptomatic respondents have modified their endoscopic practice or reduced the number of examinations. Symptomatic endoscopists and nurses had sought a medical consultation (45.3%) or had required a sick leave (13.7%). However, previous formal ergonomics education and neutral posture were reported among 10.5% of participants. Gender, the experience level, the number of endoscopic procedures and the profession of endoscopy nurse were factors related to the development of ERI.

    Conclusions The prevalence of ERI and musculoskeletal pain in endoscopists and nurses is very high. The pattern and risk factors for ERI were similar among endoscopists and endoscopy nurses. Ergonomics and educational measures for the prevention and management of ERIs are necessary.


     

    Conflicts of Interest

    Authors do not have any conflict of interest to disclose.

    Publication History

    Article published online:
    27 March 2025

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