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Document ID (ISN)109892
CIS number 09-954
ISSN - Serial title 0003-6870 - Applied Ergonomics
Year 2009
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Sheikhzadeh A., Gore C., Zuckerman J.D., Nordin M.
Title Perioperating nurses and technicians' perceptions of ergonomic risk factors in the surgical environment
Bibliographic information Sep. 2009, Vol.40, No.5, p.833-839. Illus. 27 ref.
Abstract The aim of this study was to identify the magnitude and characteristics of work-related musculoskeletal complaints among perioperative nurses and technicians (PNT) and to determine the associated ergonomic risk factors in the operating room (OR) environment based on self-reports and focus group discussions. The 50 PNTs who participated in the study completed a self-report survey for musculoskeletal symptoms, the Job Description Questionnaire and the Psychometric Evaluation Questionnaire, and participated in focus groups to discuss potential OR ergonomic risk factors. The results of the study demonstrated a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among PNTs, with lower back pain being the most prevalent (84%) complaint, followed by ankle/foot (74%) and shoulder (74%) pain. The two former MSDs were also found to be the main causes of absenteeism from work. Participants suggested simple ergonomic and engineering solutions that could be adopted to improve their work environment.
Descriptors (primary) musculoskeletal diseases; risk factors; nursing personnel; operating theatres
Descriptors (secondary) subjective assessment; frequency rates; ergonomics
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceUSA
Subject(s) Commerce, services, offices
Broad subject area(s) Physiology, ergonomics
Industries and occupations
Browse category(ies) Health care services
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system