Work-related musculoskeletal injuries amongst obstetrics and gynaecology trainees in East Midland region of the UK

Kubra Arslan Okuyucu,Yadava Jeve,Angie Doshani

doi:10.1007/s00404-017-4449-y

Abstract

PurposeWork-related musculoskeletal injuries (WRMSI) have been well known amongst obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) practitioners, but limited data have been reported. Our aim is to determine the prevalence, severity and characteristics of WRMSI amongst O&G trainees.MethodsA musculoskeletal ergonomic survey was conducted amongst the O&G trainees in the East-Midlands region of United Kingdom (UK). The survey comprised of demographic details, year of training, previous manual handling training, any work-related orthopaedic injury, the type of injury, any treatment received in addition to any sick leave incurred after the injury were also documented.ResultsThe response rate for the survey was 76% (59/78). The majority (22%) were senior specialist trainee, seventh year (ST7) and between 30 and 34 age groups. Approximately 90% of the trainees reported to have experienced pain in the last year. The most common site was the back, which was followed by the shoulders and the upper limbs. 63% of trainees reported injuries that were attributed to WRMSI. One in ten of the trainees needed time off work due to injury. A total of 20 days were lost in the last 12 months as a result of pain or discomfort attributed to obstetric work.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate the prevalence of work-related injuries and its detrimental effects. Such injuries are underreported on incident reporting system. Ergonomics and WRMSI prevention in obstetrics and gynaecology is an area seldom discussed. Obstetric training sessions should incorporate ergonomic interventions. Further research is required to establish relevant aetiological factors related to WRMSI in this specialty.

Highlights

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) are common problems experienced by a majority of people from various occupational groups, and approximately half of the occupational injuries reported in many countries are musculoskeletal related ones [1]
A musculoskeletal ergonomic survey was conducted amongst the obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) trainees in the East-Midlands region of United Kingdom (UK)
The most common site was the back, which was followed by the shoulders and the upper limbs. 63% of trainees reported injuries that were attributed to Work-related musculoskeletal injuries (WRMSI)

Summary

Introduction

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) are common problems experienced by a majority of people from various occupational groups, and approximately half of the occupational injuries reported in many countries are musculoskeletal related ones [1]. According to the definition recognised by the World Health Organisation [2], work-related disorders are problems ‘‘associated with certain exposures at work, including physical and mental work-load, adverse psychosocial factors, workers’ habits and life-style, individual susceptibility, in some instance, combined occupational and environmental exposures’’. Force, which can be called load, is required for any motion. A biomechanical imbalance develops when the internal force requires greater than the capacity of person attempt to it [5]. This imbalance has a high chance of resulting in an injury. The aim of the application of ergonomics is to design the working task, system and equipment to fit the person; rather than to adapt the person to working situation [6]

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