564 Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Global Impact of Musculoskeletal Injuries Among Endoscopists in Portugal

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The performance of endoscopy is characterized by frequent and repetitive activities. Endoscopists often report musculoskeletal injuries (MI). The widespread use of endoscopy and the execution of more technically challenging procedures may lead to higher rates of repetitive stress injuries. Despite previous American and Asian reports, little evidence has come from Europe. We aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors and impact of MI among Portuguese endoscopists. METHODS: A 48-question electronic survey was developed by a multidisciplinary group. The electronic survey was sent to all members of Portuguese Society of Gastroenterology (SPG, n = 705) during May 2019. Study data were collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at SPG–CEREGA. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 171 endoscopists (response rate of 24.3%), 55.0% female, with a median age of 36 years (31-50). The majority of the respondents were consultants (77.8%; trainees 22.2%), with 97.7% currently performing endoscopy. The median time of endoscopic practice was 9 years (5-22). Regarding practice setting, 52.0% worked in academic centers, 41.5% in community centers and 63.9% in private practice. The median weekly-working time was 50 hours (45-60), 50% (37.5-62.5%) performing endoscopy. The prevalence of reported MI was 69.6% (n = 119). The median time for MI development was 6 years (3-16). The most common sites of injury were neck (42.9%) and thumb (42.0%). In 45.4%, the pain was evident both in work and daily activities and 22.7% referred pain even at rest. In the respondents with MI, 34.5% changed practice and/or reduced working activity and 33.6% reduced work-unrelated physical activity. Missing work was reported by 10.1% [median 30 days (4-45)]. The most common treatments were NSAIDs (57.1%) and physiotherapy (30.3%) but surgery was required in 1.7%. In the multivariate logistic regression, endoscopic practice >15 years (OR 3.514, P = 0.004), female gender (OR 2.443, P = 0.018) and higher percentage of time performing upper endoscopy (OR 0.974, P = 0.026) were independently associated with MI. CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal injuries were reported by over two thirds of the portuguese endoscopists that completed our survey. These injuries had a significant impact on regular and professional activities. Female endoscopists and those with a minimum of 15 years of practice are at higher risk. The identification of these risk factors may result in practice changes to reduce the burden of the injuries.