Incidence of work related musculoskeletal disorders in medical dosimetry

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for almost 70 million physician office visits per year in the United States and are the most common workplace injuries. These are conditions involving the nerves, tendons, muscles, and supporting structures of the body. Previous studies have concluded that computer users are at high risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). As computer users, medical dosimetrists are at risk of developing WRMSDs, yet there is a lack of information regarding the incidence of WRMSDs among medical dosimetrists. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of WRMSDs and variables of workstation ergonomics that contribute to the increased risk of WRMSDs in medical dosimetrists. A Qualtrics survey was created to support the 3 research questions guiding this study. The survey was distributed to 2,646 full members of the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD), which included only certified medical dosimetrists (CMDs), via email. The distribution of email surveys sent through the AAMD email distribution list resulted in 988 emails opened, for a contact rate of 37% (988/2646). One hundred sixty-four responses were recorded yielding a completion rate of 17% (164/988). Fifty-five percent (90/163) of participants responded that they have experienced WRMSDs. Forty-four percent (289/652) of responses indicated WRMSDs have a slight or moderate interference on work. Sixty-two percent (94/152) of participants felt that their workstations were not ergonomically designed; even greater 68% (104/153) did not feel their workstations were designed for their individually needs. Of those respondents 64% (98/152) would like to see further adaptations made to their workspaces.

Keywords: Medical dosimetrist; Musculoskeletal disorders; Risk factors; Workplace ergonomics; Workplace injuries.