L.A. Hilt1, B. Sherman2, M. Erdman2, R. Higgins2 1Medical College Of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA 2Medical College Of Wisconsin, Division Of Minimally Invasive And Gastrointestinal Surgery, Milwaukee, WI, USA
Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are common amongst minimally invasive surgeons, with increased rates of pain primarily in the upper body. The prevalence of MSD signifies the importance of implementing effective ergonomic interventions. This study aims to evaluate the impact of online ergonomic education modules on the rate of MSD amongst minimally invasive surgeons.
Methods: Minimally invasive surgeons from nine surgical subspecialties at a single institution were recruited to participate. The initial survey identified demographics and MSD prevalence using a modified Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. One month following the survey, participants received online education modules created by Mayo Clinic’s Kern Center Human Factors Engineering team. A secondary survey was sent one month after the modules. Statistical analysis was completed using Wilcoxon signed rank test.
Results: In total, 23 (30.7%) out of 75 minimally invasive surgeons participated in the initial survey: 12 (52.2%) males, mean age of 45 years old, and 11.4 mean years in practice. The surgical subspecialties included Gynecology (30.4%), Trauma and Acute Care (26.1%), Colorectal (17.4%), Minimally Invasive Gastrointestinal (17.4%), Thoracic (8.7%), Urology (4.3%), and Otolaryngology (4.3%), with mean practice percentages of 45.6% robotic, 37% laparoscopic, 31.1% open, and 29.5% natural orifice surgery. 65.2% of surgeons reported they experience aches, pains, or discomfort due to operating, most commonly in the shoulder (65.1%) and upper back (59.1%). 47.8% of surgeons had not received prior ergonomic training or education and had not implemented any ergonomic change in the operating room. Six surgeons (26.1%) participated in the secondary survey, representing five surgical subspecialties. There were no significant differences in rates of MSD for these surgeons (66.7% pre-modules vs. 66.7% post-modules). However, four (66.7%) surgeons made immediate ergonomic changes after the modules, and all (100%) reported that they would endorse the modules to colleagues.
Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgeons experience a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Online modules are one mechanism for disseminating ergonomic education. Despite not identifying an immediate effect, surgeons did implement ergonomic modifications and unanimously recommended the modules. This emphasizes the need for broad and recurrent ergonomic initiatives for long-term benefit. Further longitudinal research is needed to refine and optimize such initiatives to promote physical health and career longevity.