Evaluation of ergonomic interventions to reduce musculoskeletal disorders of dentists in the Netherlands

Abstract

Objectives: An ergonomic intervention program was implemented in the Netherlands to reduce musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) in dental clinics. The aim of this study was to improve preventional methods by evaluating the secondary prevention programme from the dentists' point of view; investigating the dentists ability to implement the recommendations; identifying barriers and facilitators for implementation; ascertaining whether implementation of these recommendations led to a perceived reduction of their MSD.

Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted. The questionnaire, specially developed for this research was mailed to 57 dentists who went through the intervention program. They all returned the questionnaire.

Results: Over 50% of the dentists implemented the recommendations given during the intervention fully or nearly fully, and 40% implemented the recommendations partially. Barriers that made change difficult included changing old routines and financial aspects. Important facilitators were motivation, pain and individualized recommendations. The dentists saw a clear relation between their implementation of recommendations and a reduction in MSD.; 72% of the dentists reported a reduction or disappearance of the main complaint.

Conclusions: The study shows that even in a highly motivated group recommendations to reduce MSD will often be only partially implemented. This obviously influences the effectiveness of intervention programmes. Improving our understanding of barriers and facilitators to the implementation of ergonomic measures may result in a class of guidelines dealing with implementation issues.