Interdisciplinary Operating Room Ergonomics Needs and Priorities: A Survey of Operating Room Staff

Abstract

Objective: To examine perceived OR ergonomics facilitators and barriers, with a focus on the interdisciplinary team.

Summary background data: Poor ergonomics causes musculoskeletal injuries affecting all operating room (OR) staff with repercussions on patient care, outcomes, and sustainability. Lack of ergonomic awareness and education are risk factors.

Methods: We conducted a self-administered web-based survey of OR nurses, surgeons, and anesthesiologists at a single centre (n=238). We developed a questionnaire through items generation and reduction, followed by reliability and validity testing.

Results: Response rate was 53.8%. Respondents perceived that on average 80% of nurses, 70% of surgeons, and 40% anesthesiologists experienced MSK injuries, with no difference in professional groups' perceptions. Guideline ergonomics interventions were rarely used (<25%) except for specialized clothing (33%), equipment repositioning (59%), and seating (37%), though perceived beneficial by 80-90%. Reported barriers to optimal ergonomics were organizational/structural (lack of time, space, equipment, funding), whereas solutions were individual. Fear of unfavourable perception from others was a concern for 62%. Teams discussing, prioritizing, monitoring, or helping with ergonomics was indicated by <50%. Individual ergonomic adaptations were perceived as convenience by other staff.

Conclusions: While structural/organizational issues are reported as barriers to ergonomics, solutions appeared as individual responsibilities. Team dynamics did not prioritize nor support ergonomics. Education tools leveraging the interdisciplinary team are warranted. This work will be supplemented by interviews and live observations to build tailored educational tools for OR teams.