Ergonomics and bronchoscopy: a survey of the American Association of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology.

BACKGROUND: Ergonomics is defined by the United States Department of Labor as "the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population." Currently, there remains a deficiency in available data regarding the impact that musculoskeletal pain and ergonomics have within the field of pulmonary endoscopic procedures. We sought to define the impact of musculoskeletal pain and ergonomics in physicians with an interest in interventional pulmonology.

METHODS: A 25-question Internet-based survey was distributed to current members of the American Association of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology.

RESULTS: A total of 199 surveys were distributed to members, with an overall response rate of 81% (161/199). The majority of respondents were male (85.6%) and classified themselves as interventional pulmonologists (49%). Musculoskeletal pain was present in 50.6% of the respondents, with a minority (12.3%) of respondents reporting significant adverse events related to this pain. Risks factors for work-related musculoskeletal pain included small glove size (P=0.01), younger age (P=0.02), and years in practice (P=0.01).

CONCLUSION: The presence of musculoskeletal pain seems to be common within a cohort of pulmonologists performing procedures. Although only a minority of bronchoscopists experienced adverse events related to pain directly impacting patient care, long-term outcomes impacting both patient care and the long-term careers of physicians remain uncertain. Further research regarding the role of musculoskeletal pain and ergonomics remains paramount in the continued development of technology and equipment within the field.