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. 2022;71(4):1007-1027.
doi: 10.3233/WOR-205043.

Musculoskeletal discomfort in veterinary healthcare professions

Kelly E Seagren  1 , Carolyn M Sommerich  1   2 , Steven A Lavender  1   3
Affiliations

Musculoskeletal discomfort in veterinary healthcare professions

Kelly E Seagren et al. Work. 2022.

Abstract

Background: Veterinarians appear to be at risk for work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD), based on surveys conducted outside the US.

Objective: This study provides new information about MSD prevalence in veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the US.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey and observation.

Results: A survey of 56 veterinarians and 38 veterinary technicians in Ohio found 12-month prevalence of MSD exceeded 60% in the neck, low back, and legs/feet. More than 85% of participants reported that work activities exacerbated discomfort in at least one region. Less than one-third of participants reported symptom-related lost work time. Personal and work-related burnout scores were higher for veterinary technicians, compared with veterinarians. Nine percent of observed work activities performed by veterinarians and 43% performed by veterinary technicians were rated high or very high risk.

Conclusions: High prevalence of MSD and low lost work time suggest many individuals are working in pain. Increased adoption of existing ergonomics solutions (equipment and process changes), in addition to further investigation of unmet needs, could improve working conditions and reduce musculoskeletal stress in veterinary health professions.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal discomfort; ergonomics; veterinarian; veterinary nurse; veterinary technician; veterinary technologist.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Frequency of performing procedures for veterinarians (A), veterinary technicians (B); Number of procedures per year for veterinarians (C), veterinary technicians (D).
Figure 2:
Figure 2:
12-month and 7 day prevalence of discomfort by body region for veterinarians and veterinary technicians
Figure 3:
Figure 3:
Discomfort made worse by work activities and consequences of MSD symptoms, for veterinarians and veterinary technicians (percentages based on subset reporting 12-month prevalence in the respective body part)
Figure 4:
Figure 4:
Recommendation of profession by age group for veterinarians and veterinary technicians (missing age data for one veterinarian).
Figure 5:
Figure 5:
REBA Risk Category scores of observed tasks
Figure 6:
Figure 6:
Distribution of REBA risk level by observed basic posture
Figure 7:
Figure 7:
Examples of observed participants sitting and performing tasks: (left) utilizing an adjustable-height table and chair; (right) seated on the floor
Figure 8:
Figure 8:
Examples of observed participants standing and bending to perform tasks: (left) utilizing an exam table and displaying minor back twist and flexion; (right) displaying extreme back flexion
Figure 9:
Figure 9:
Examples of observed participants squatting to perform tasks: (left) working with arms close to body; (right) working with arms extended, increasing the REBA risk score
Figure 10:
Figure 10:
Examples of observed participants kneeling to perform tasks: (left) upright spine, arms close to body; (right) added impact on REBA score of back flexion/twist and working with arms extended
Figure 11:
Figure 11:
Examples of observed participants taking notes while talking to clients: (left) using an adjustable chair and table; (right) using a fixed height table and standing
Figure 12:
Figure 12:
Examples of observed participants utilizing computer work stations: (left) utilizing an adjustable computer station and chair; (right) utilizing a fixed height counter and computer while standing
Figure 13:
Figure 13:
Examining a cat: (left) seated with cat on exam table restrained by a veterinary technician, (center) standing with cat held in the arms of a veterinary technician, (right) standing with cat on an exam table restrained by the examiner. REBA scores for the examiner in each of these is a 3; evidence that there is more than one better way to perform this task.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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