P22.02: An innovative new setting for the improvement of ultrasound ergonomics

Abstract

To investigate an innovative new setting for the improvement of ultrasound ergonomics. Musculoskeletal disorders pose a great problem for obstetric ultrasound departments. Although many adjustments of ultrasound equipment have been applied, the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among sonographers remains high. A main cause appears to be the right arm position that requires extensive muscle effort. We propose an innovative approach to the problem by developing an ‘extended arm’ in order to change the basic position of the sonographer thereby creating a frontal working area. The traditional position of the sonographer as sitting alongside of the patient was changed 90 degrees thereby creating a frontal working area. An ‘extended arm’ tool was developed on which the keyboard can be placed (figure 1). This setting enables the sonographer to preform all ultrasound probe manipulation in front of him/her. The setting was tested with several sonographers to evaluate the change in posture. Our setting was tested with 5 experienced sonographers. In the new setting, a more natural/neutral posture could be achieved, whitch was perceived to be less fatiguing by the sonographers (figure 2). All sonographers preferred this new setting. Supporting information can be found in the online version of this abstract Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.