Training needed to reduce musculoskeletal injuries among ophthalmologists
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PHILADELPHIA — Ophthalmologists are at a high risk for developing occupational musculoskeletal pain, and training and precautionary measures should be enacted in order to decrease such risks, according to a speaker here.
“It’s generally understood that surgeons, and especially microsurgeons such as ophthalmologists, are at increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries,” Erin E. Nichols, MD, said at the Wills Eye Conference. “Our goal was to categorize and describe the prevalence of those injuries, as well as identify risk factors for injuries.”
A survey sent to 919 Wills Eye alumni asked questions regarding demographic data, pain and injury prevalence, and measures taken regarding ergonomics.
The researchers had a response rate of 12.4%, of which 75% experienced musculoskeletal pain, with 25% of those saying the pain had a direct impact on their careers.
“This impact included career satisfaction, days worked, clinical load and plans for retirement,” Nichols said. The majority of those affected were younger in age and female.
Only 15% of survey respondents reported receiving ergonomics training during residency, with 16% reporting receiving ergonomics training during continuing medical education.
A national supply and demand estimate for surgical subspecialties showed ophthalmology having a great deficit, highlighting the demand for ophthalmologists, according to Nichols.
“There’s a high need for able-bodied practicing ophthalmologists, and given the widespread issue of occupational pain and its significant impact on individual careers, our study suggests change is needed to protect ourselves, our careers and our patients,” she said.
Nichols suggested further research, as well as implementing effective interventions and preventive education in order to cut down on occupational musculoskeletal pain among ophthalmologists.
“Given the increased risk of such pain in younger individuals early in their careers, we advocate for formalized education on ergonomics veered toward ophthalmology trainees,” Nichols said. – by Rebecca L. Forand
Reference:
Nichols E. Wills Eye Hospital alumni survey characterizing the impact of musculoskeletal pain on ophthalmologists. Presented at: Wills Eye Conference; March 5-7, 2020; Philadelphia.
Disclosure: Nichols reports no relevant financial disclosures.
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