A new article published in Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology highlights the importance of a sound ergonomic setup at radiologists’ computers and workstations.
Radiology staffing shortages and the COVID-19 pandemic have both contributed to the increased workloads of radiologists, who are spending more time than ever interpreting images in front of a computer screen. The increased time at workstations makes radiologists more susceptible to repetitive stress and strain injuries, but a proper ergonomic setup can help to temper these risks.
“Having optimal ergonomic setups has become more imperative than ever with work-related injuries and pain,” corresponding author Kyungmin Shin, MD, with the department of breast imaging at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer, and co-authors said. “For radiologists, the science of ergonomics can be applied to the setup of reading workstations and the equipment used to read and dictate studies in our daily lives in order to prevent and delay injuries stemming from poor ergonomics.”
The authors shared their practical tips and advice for creating an ergonomically sound environment for radiologists both at their home offices and in a clinical environment. Their considerations are listed below:
Desk and chair: The optimal desk is curved and allows readers to view multiple screens with minimal body rotation. Desks should have adjustable height positions, including an option that would enable clinicians to stand while working. Chairs should have adjustable seat heights and arm rests, postural support and appropriate cushioning, the authors suggest.
Monitor: For best workflow efficiency, radiologists need multiple monitors, with most preferring 3 to 6. Ideally, the experts recommended monitors be 50-75 centimeters from the radiologist and 15-50 degrees below eye level.
Mouse and keyboard: The location for each should be considered with frequency of use. Wrist support on both mouse pads and keyboards helps to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome. To avoid dorsiflexion, the experts suggest placing keyboards at heights and distances that keep the wrist and forearm in straight alignment with one another.
Dictaphone: Holders and headsets can prevent prolonged holding of dictation devices and offer radiologists a hands-free solution.
Light, eye strain, and noise: Appropriate lighting based on an individual’s preferences can be achieved in open reading rooms with small desk lamps and can reduce unnecessary eye strain. Blue-light filtering spectacle lenses can also help with eye strain, previous studies have shown. For noise distractions in shared reading rooms, the doctors suggest using room dividers with sound buffers, when feasible. Noise-canceling headphones can also be beneficial in this situation.
“If radiologists interpreting imaging studies can implement changes in their daily functions and workstation setups, they can achieve a better quality of life,” the experts concluded.
More on PACS and radiology workstations:
Top performing radiology IT solutions in the 2022 Best in KLAS rankings
Radiology department uncovers pain-inducing problems with at-home workstations
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.