Purpose: This study aims to provide an overview of type and frequency of musculoskeletal complaints among urologists.
Second, the urologists' knowledge about ergonomic conditions during minimal invasive urology was assessed, and third they were asked how they would prefer to gain knowledge about this topic.
Materials and Methods: An online and hard copy version questionnaire was administered to urologists from different countries, mainly from Europe, performing endourology and laparoscopy.
Results: Of the 285 respondents, 245 (86.0%) urologists experienced musculoskeletal complaints in the past 12 months and 62.1% were considered to be work related. Most common areas for chronic complaints were neck, back and shoulders. Almost 50% of the urologists experienced chronic musculoskeletal complaints, for which endourology (OR 3.06; 95% CI 1.37-6.80) and laparoscopy (OR 1.70; 95% CI: 1.27-2.28) were significant risk factors. One third of the urologists considered their knowledge about ergonomics minimal, and 8% stated that they had no knowledge about these topics. Fifty percent of the respondents preferred to integrate information about ergonomic rules into hands-on training of urological skills.
Conclusion: High prevalence of experienced musculoskeletal complaints was found among urologists predominantly related to endourology and laparoscopy. Urologists indicate to have a lack of knowledge about ergonomics in the operation room. Hence, we recommend integration of ergonomics in hands-on training programs early in the residency curriculum to gain knowledge and awareness and hopefully to offer possibilities to prevent these complaints in the future.
Written by:
Tjiam IM, Goossens RH, Schout BM, Koldewijn EL, Hendrikx AJ, Muijtjens AM, Scherpbier AJ, Witjes JA. Are you the author?
Catharina Hospital, Urology, Michelangelolaan 2, Eindhoven, Namibia, 5623 EJ.
Reference: J Endourol. 2014 Jan 13. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1089/end.2013.0654
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24417180
UroToday.com Endourology Section
