Work related musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare professionals: risk factors and preventive strategies

Type: Technical Session 

The health care sector comprises the different sectors/areas for acute and chronic patients: departments (wards) for “acute” patients, operating theatres, outpatient departments, rehabilitation units,  “Day Hospital” (ambulatory), mental health, diagnostic service (e.g., Radiology and Laboratory), primary care/community/ residential/nursing homes. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) particularly for the spine and shoulder, are common in healthcare professionals as compared with other jobs. Nurse aides experience some of the highest rates of nonfatal work injuries across the world. Studies have also found high rates of WRMSD in other healthcare professionals including Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Dentists, Radiographers, Laboratory Workers and Surgeons. Client handling, working in positions with little scope for changing posture for extended durations and manual materials handling are common activities in health care workplaces that can lead to WRMSD. Other risk factors include long working hours, shift works, psychosocial stressors, skilled and precise movements with latest tools or surgical devices. frequency and amount of weight lifted, static exertion, simultaneous lifting, flexing and twisting, and sudden, unexpected loading, inadequacy (or absence) of equipment, restricted spaces where patients are handled. Possible preventive strategies could be discussed under various heading like departmental or organisational, work load and work allocations, work practices, work environment and equipment, physical condition or capacity, education and training. This technical session aims at looking into prevalence and risk factors for WRMSD in healthcare professionals, risk assessment methods, Ergonomic modifications, workplace modifications, ergonomic and assistive devices, and other preventive strategies. 

Dr. Deepak Sharan, Consultant in Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, RECOUP Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Centre, Bangalore, INDIA / Surgeons and Dentists

Mr. Rameshkumar Ranganathan, Consultant in Physiotherapy and Ergonomics, RECOUP Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Centre, Bangalore, INDIA / Radiologists and Radiographers

Mr. Jerrish A. Jose, Consultant in Physiotherapy and Ergonomics, RECOUP Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Centre, Bangalore, INDIA / Physiotherapists

Mr. Mathankumar Mohandoss, Consultant in Physiotherapy and Ergonomics, RECOUP Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Centre, Bangalore, INDIA / Nurses

Contact: Dr. Deepak Sharan, email: deepak.sharan@recoup.in