Formal ergonomic training may help endoscopists reduce musculoskeletal pain related to endoscopy performance, according to a study presented at the 2016 Digestive Disease Week and reported in Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News.
For the study, the researchers surveyed fellows at five gastroenterology training programs. The researchers dispensed an initial survey, before showing fellows a short video illustrating proper endoscopy ergonomic techniques. Following the video, they gave fellows an additional survey related to endoscope and injury knowledge.
Here's what you need to know:
1. The majority of fellows, 78 percent, reported musculoskeletal pain related to endoscopy; 82 percent of which were in the wrist, 46 percent of which were in the thumb and 40 percent of which were in the neck.
2. The minority of fellows, less than 7 percent, said they had received formal ergonomic training during their fellowship.
3. When considering test responses related to endoscopy and injury knowledge, the researchers found that fellows' knowledge increased by 20 percent following the video training.
4. The majority of fellows, more than 90 percent, reported that training should incorporate additional information related to injury prevention.