Scores of radiologists were forced to set up makeshift workstations last year as the coronavirus pushed people into home offices. But many are not ergonomically correct, causing more pain and potential injuries, new research suggests.
The University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Radiology based the findings on a program piloting virtual ergonomic consultations for rads employed before March 2020. About 60% of providers suffered neck discomfort while 40% complained of lower and upper back pain.
Radiologists spend most of their time sitting at a workstation, and one recent study shows nearly 90% claim to have musculoskeletal symptoms. Short, 30-minute consultations can enhance off-site work areas and decrease injury risks, UPenn authors wrote Sept. 27 in JACR.
“As we shift to a hybrid in-person and remote workstyle, services such as remote ergonomic consultations will gain importance,” first author Monica Miranda-Schaeubinger MD, MSPH, and colleagues added. “Our experience provides some insight on how to prevent musculoskeletal disorder-related injuries in employees who will work from home and demonstrates that a remote consult is viable.”
A rad department engineer tweaked an established in-person ergonomics program to address at-home setups during COVID-19.
Participants submitted pictures of their station and discussed possible changes during 30-minute video calls. Consultants asked about stress and physical activity habits along with the results of a previously completed questionnaire assessing rads’ musculoskeletal pain.
Thirty percent experienced daily hip pain while the same proportion cited shoulder discomfort. Nearly all providers were told to elevate their feet during the day for more support. A handful had their monitors too low, causing neck pain. Incorrect chair and desk heights also contributed to pain points.
Low-cost fixes included new chairs, mice, monitors and keyboards.
Early feedback from participants showed they felt the consults offered some benefit. The authors are confident their program reduced the most common ergonomics complaints from at-home workers.
They plan to begin offering in-home appointments as pandemic restrictions loosen.
“Continuing to provide remote ergonomic consultations can equip us to be better prepared for continuing hybrid work arrangements in radiology services,” the UPenn experts concluded.
Read the full case study here.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.