Assessment of Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Evaluation of Radiology Workstation Ergonomics in a National Radiology Workforce

Abstract

Rationale and objectives We assessed the presence of musculoskeletal discomfort and evaluated the ergonomics parameters of radiology workstations and the impact of poor radiology workstation ergonomics on musculoskeletal discomfort in a national radiology workforce. Methods This was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. All radiologist and radiology trainee members of the Canadian Association of Radiologists were eligible to participate. Radiology workstation ergonomics parameters and self-reported data on musculoskeletal discomfort were recorded. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to the data to ascertain the impact of participants' radiology workstation ergonomics parameters on the likelihood of experience of musculoskeletal discomfort while adjusting for demographic variables. Results A total of 191 questionnaires were completed. The median (interquartile range) age of participants was 42.0 years (17.0 years) and 56.8% of participants were female. One hundred fifty participants (78.5%) self-reported the presence of musculoskeletal discomfort. Ergonomics parameters most commonly implemented included having monitors an arm's length away (82.6%) and hands being shoulder-width apart (77.1%). Binary logistic regression revealed participants either not having the top of the monitor screen at eye level when in a seated position or not having the wrists straight and relatively flat when using the mouse was associated with an increased likelihood of experience of…