Sonographers, practice managers and manufacturers can help reduce musculoskeletal disorders.
Ultrasound’s expanding clinical capabilities and its relatively low cost make it a popular imaging choice. And its growing popularity is impacting sonographers’ workload. An imaging department that performed 10 to 20 exams daily in the past might be completing 50 or more today. Often, this growth is managed with the same number of staff, requiring individuals to perform 12 to 15 exams a day. This increased volume is placing added strain on sonographers who are already at risk of injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive motions. Up to 90% of ultrasound professionals report work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) injuries at some point in their careers.
It takes a surprising number of movements to capture a good diagnostic image. Numerous movements are required to place a patient in the proper position. This is followed by a series of actions – back and forth and up and down – to place the equipment properly; and many ultrasound models have significant weight to them.
Directors of radiology work closely with their sonographers to help reduce their risk of injury not only because they care about their welfare, but also because of the potential economic impact on
the practice. A sonographer with a serious musculoskeletal disorder can be out on disability for an extended period of time.
Reducing injuries requires a team approach. First, sonographers need to be trained on proper techniques and put them into practice. These include decreasing the duration of static posturing. Sonographers should vary their postures from sitting to standing throughout the day. Alternating the scanning hand and varying the grip used is also beneficial. Sonographers often grip the transducer more tightly than needed. A third helpful habit is taking short breaks and stretching in between exams. Incorporating just a few small changes and following proper techniques can have a big impact on reducing the severity of injuries.
Manufacturers also play an important role. They need to include sonographers in the design of their products and incorporate the feedback to improve the ergonomics. Carestream engaged about 100 sonographers, physicians, radiologists, radiology administrators and sonography students from throughout the world on the design of our Touch Ultrasound Prime product.
The third set of players on the team are hospital and radiology department managers. I strongly recommend that they research the ergonomic aspects of an ultrasound machine before making a purchase. Elements like adjustable features reduce the amount of static or awkward postures, and more nimble machines can be maneuvered with a single hand or arm.
There is no doubt that the demand for ultrasound imaging will continue to grow. And that’s good news for current and future sonographers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of diagnostic medical sonographers, cardiovascular technologists and technicians, and vascular technologists will increase by 39% between 2012 and 2022. Sonographers who are specialized in new and emerging applications for ultrasound are especially needed – some insurance companies will only pay for the exams if they are performed by certified specialists.
By working together, sonographers, managers and manufacturers can create a safe environment for new and veteran sonographers to meet the growing demand for ultrasound exams while protecting the health of this valuable workforce.
Hear Dr. Hamad Ghazle, Director of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Rochester Institute of Technology, discuss sonographer safety and ergonomics and the increased demand for sonographers in these videos. And read his blog about the market and medical forces boosting the adoption of ultrasound. #ultrasound #sonography
The Carestream Touch Prime Ultrasound System is currently pending a Health Canada License.
Erica Carnevale is the marketing manager for the Carestream Ultrasound Touch Prime solution in the United State and Canada
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