The ergonomically optimized endoscopy suite
In the next presentation, Mehnaz Shafi, MD, professor of medicine and ad interim chair of the department of gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, described how clinicians and institutions can create ergonomically optimized endoscopy suites.
Dr. Mehnaz Shafi
She began by reviewing specific causes of injury, including repetitive motion, high pinch force, and awkward posture, the latter of which can lead to microtrauma, inflammation, and connective tissue injury.
According to Dr. Shafi, endoscopists should stand in a neutral position with back straight and knees slightly bent. The patient should be positioned at the edge of the bed, which should be 85-120 cm off the floor. Monitors should be 93-162 cm off the floor and 15-25 degrees below eye level. When interacting with multiple monitors, endoscopists should rotate their entire bodies to maintain a neutral position. Hands and elbows also should be kept neutral, with less than 10 degrees of angulation from the height of the bed. To ensure safer hand grip, Dr. Shafi suggested removing any cord loops that may increase tension and using a towel to more evenly distribute gripping force.
Finally, Dr. Shafi encouraged awareness of other room hazards, such as slippery floors and exposed wires and tubing.
The presenters reported having no conflicts of interest.
This article was updated May 5, 2021.