Ergonomic Issues during Bronchoscopy: A Local Case Study and Review of Literature.

Objective: This single-subject case study was done to evaluate the presence and evaluate the risk factors for the development of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) among the staff performing bronchoscopy in the bronchoscopy suite.

Methods: A single-subject case study to describe the ergonomic issues in bronchoscopy including identifying multiple factors that can potentially, either singly or in combination, affect physical work capacity. The study focused on the evaluation and control of occupational factors during bronchoscopy to improve awareness of ergonomic issues in bronchoscopy using the following data collection tools: 1) hierarchical task analysis, 2) activity sampling, 3) direct observation of the procedure (walk-around), 5) structured interview of the subject, and 5) utilization of checklists.

Results: During the process of bronchoscopy, identified factors that can cause pain in the wrists, fingers, and shoulders include repetitive movement and awkward positions of the hands and wrists coming from the need to move the directional controls and position the bronchoscope. For the back, prolonged standing with awkward postures is a concern. For the neck, the need to look at the monitor which is situated at the side of the patient and frequent shifting of the eyes and head from the monitor to the patient can cause neck pain and stiffness. Aside from the above, other factors would include job stress from the workload, inadequate time for rest and recovery, and the possibility of an uncomfortable environment due to poor air quality. Chronic exposure and repeated injury followed by inflammation and repair lead to structural and biochemical changes in the tissues affected by Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) leading to the development of WMSDs.

Conclusion: Although CTDs do not account for work-related deaths, they do account for a significant amount of human suffering, loss of productivity, and economic burden on the compensation system. Thus, ergonomic concerns must be addressed early to prevent WMSDs/CTDs.