Update on a New Document Addressing Industry Standards for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injuries Through the Performance of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Abstract

Margaret M. Park, BS, ACS, RVT, RDCS, FASEView Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Brad Roberts, ACS, RCS, FASEView Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) This month's blue pages focus on making sonographers aware that there is a new resource addressing industry standards for prevention of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries. As many sonographers are aware, repetitive scanning motions can lead to work related injuries. Common injuries reported among sonographers include bursitis of the shoulder,1Evans K. Roll S. Baker J. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) among registred diagnostic medical sonographers and vascular technologists: a representative sample.J Diagn Med Sonogr. 2009; 25: 287-299Crossref Scopus (101) Google Scholar, 2Pike I. Russo A. Berkowitz J. Baker J.D. Lessoway V. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among diagnostic medical sonographers.J Diagn Med Sonogr. 1997; 13: 219-227Crossref Scopus (83) Google Scholar tendonitis (often in the wrist and hand),3Evans K.D. Roll S.C. Hutmire C. Baker J.P. Factors that contribute to wrist-hand-finger discomfort in diagnostic medical sonographers and vascular technologists.J Diag Med Sonogr. 2010; 26: 121-129Crossref Scopus (18) Google Scholar and nerve entrapment syndromes (such as carpal tunnel syndrome).4De Krom M.C. Kester A.D. Knipschild P.G. Spaans F. Risk factors fo rcarpal tunnel syndrome.Am J Epidemiol. 1990; 132: 1102-1110Crossref PubMed Scopus (232) Google Scholar Sonographers have an opportunity to reduce risk of injury by scanning with correct posture, performing stretching exercises, and being knowledgeable regarding best practices for reducing the risk of injury. Manufacturers engage in the design and development of ergonomic friendly ultrasound systems, and managers should be aware of best practice recommendations that take into account strategies for equipment, room design, and scheduling that reduce the risk of injury to sonographers.52016 Consensus Conference Hosted by the Society of Diagnostic Medical SonographyIndustry standards for the prevention of work related musculoskeletal disorders in sonography.https://www.sdmsorg/docs/default-source/Resources/industry-standards-for-the-prevention-of-work-related-musculoskeletal-disorders-in-sonography.pdfDate: 2017Google Scholar Recently, the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography hosted a consensus conference to produce a document entitled “Industry Standards for the Prevention of Work Related Musculosketal Disorders in Sonography”52016 Consensus Conference Hosted by the Society of Diagnostic Medical SonographyIndustry standards for the prevention of work related musculoskeletal disorders in sonography.https://www.sdmsorg/docs/default-source/Resources/industry-standards-for-the-prevention-of-work-related-musculoskeletal-disorders-in-sonography.pdfDate: 2017Google Scholar (http://asecho.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/industry-standards-for-the-prevention-of-work-related-musculoskeletal-disorders-in-sonography.pdf). Brad Roberts represented the American Society of Echocardiography at this conference. This document is a tremendous resource for sonographers and managers. The document provides updated information on ultrasound system design to be ergonomically sound for sonographers, specifications for ultrasound room design, and equipment within the room, such as an adjustable tables, swivel chairs, and ergonomic accessories. The document also provides information on risk management assessment, work hours, and scheduling strategies for minimizing risk for musculoskeletal injury due to ultrasound imaging. In addition, 17 references for additional information are provided. We believe this document will be especially helpful to new managers and can serve as a helpful resource for individuals to obtain information about things to think about when building a new echocardiography laboratory or redesigning an existing work space. We encourage everyone to examine this document, and we thank Brad Roberts for his hard work on this project. The document is available at: https://www.sdms.org/docs/default-source/Resources/industry-standards-for-the-prevention-of-work-related-musculoskeletal-disorders-in-sonography.pdf.Carol Mitchell, PhD, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RT(R), ACS, FASE, is an Assistant Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Mitchell currently serves as Chair of the ASE Council on Cardiovascular Sonography Steering Committee.Margaret M. Park, BS, ACS, RVT, RDCS, FASE, is a Lead Imaging Specialist at the Cleveland Clinic Coordinating Center for Clinical Research (C5), Imaging Core Lab, and a Clinical Research Coordinator, for the Department of Pathobiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio. She serves as Chair-elect of the ASE Council of Cardiovascular Sonography Steering Committee.Brad Roberts, ACS, RCS, FASE, is an advanced cardiac sonographer who brings 25 years of clinical experience to his work. He is a cardiac research sonographer at Baylor Research Institute in Dallas, TX, and a member of the ASE Council of Cardiovascular Sonography.