Most Sonographers Scan in Pain
The symptoms of WRMSD are well documented in the literature and the workplace. The dramatic increase in reported symptoms in recent years is multifaceted. Increased workload per staff member due to changes in the health care environment (downsizing), in concert with the aging of the sonographer population and lack of proper equipment appear to figure prominently in this equation. (1) Recent surveys of sonographers have revealed that 80% of the respondents have some symptoms of WRMSD, and 20% of these professionals eventually experience a career-ending injury. On average, sonographers experience pain while scanning within five years of starting their career. (2)
1) Merton, Daniel, MSIs: Addressing a Real Pain in the Neck for Today’s Sonographers, ADVANCE for Radiologic Science Professionals, July, 2000.
2) Wihlidal, L.M., Kumar, S.: An Injury Profile of Practicing Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Alberta, International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 1996.
OSHA’s Alliance with Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
The Industry Standards for the Prevention of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography’ has since been adopted and promoted by sonographer societies around the world.(1) In 2004, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) signed a formal alliance with the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) in an effort to reduce and prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD).(2)
1) Industry Standards for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography. Consensus Conference – SDMS May 2003 Industry Standards
2) OSHA – www.osha.org- OSHA Ergonomics Update, July 17, 2001
Space Constraints in the Echo Lab
- AllWays EchoBed®
The totally unique AllWays EchoBed® fulfills another universal problem confronting health care managers today –space. Whether the issue is shared space between departments, shrinking resources, or temporary quarters due to construction, the AllWays EchoBed® is the answer to the dilemma. In a square room, the bed can pivot while the ultrasound unit remains stationary to allow the sonographer to switch from left to right handed scanning. In a rectangular room, the bed remains stationary and movement of the ultrasound unit to the opposite end of the bed provides a rapid change in scanning technique.
Recommendations to Prevent Word Related Muskuloskeletal Disorders
Among the consequences of WRMSD are absenteeism, compensation, rehabilitation and lost productivity of the effected worker. Absenteeism in turn reflects upon the co-workers by decreasing morale, increasing stress, reducing productivity and quality of work, all of which impact patient satisfaction in a negative manner. Indirect costs also include hiring and training replacement staff, with the subsequent decrease in productivity of the preceptors. Long term disability claims can be economically devastating to an employer. Fortunately, WRMSD is largely preventable by interventions available to the employee/employer.
Following are some recommendations regarding changes in the environment for the sonographer that will have a positive impact on the situation:
- Switching scanning technique (right/left hand)
- Varying work activities
- Maintaining wrist in a neutral position
- Maintaining correct posture
- Height adjustable exam bed/table and chair
Speed & Accuracy For the Echo Lab
During the course of the day, different sonographers use the same equipment at various times. Adjusting that equipment to their individual height and scanning posture is greatly expedited with a customizable control for electric articulations on the EchoBed®. Programmable positioning with the Memory Handwand provides three distinct positions that can be held in memory or re-programmed repeatedly.
This standard control offers quick setup and room turnover. Rapid movement and ease of use is provided by Single Pedal Braking and Steering, which allows the user to lock and unlock all four wheels on the EchoBed® with one step on a single control pedal.
Improve Ergomonics and Patient Safety
The most fundamental requirement for improving ergonomics and patient safety is height adjustability. The range of the electric height adjustment on the EchoBed® allows scanning to be performed from a sitting or standing position as well as performance of TEE with the touch of a button on the remote hand controller. Likewise, patient transfer is facilitated by lowering the bed to an ideal wheelchair transfer height, however, not low enough to encourage the sonographer to bend too far and risk lower back injury. When performing stress echoes, lowering the height of the bed post-exercise, allows faster repositioning for optimal images. Nursing duties, such as IV access, vital signs, blood draw, etc. can also be performed while maintaining proper posture. In an emergency situation, all required procedures, including patient transfer, would be simplified by this control.
Increase Diagnostic Value of the Sonogram
Equipping the cardiac ultrasound department with the EchoBed® is the most efficient and cost effective way to increase the diagnostic value of the sonogram while enhancing the environment for the patients’ and sonographer’s comfort and safety. Electronic controls for bed articulations which provide onetouch ease-of-use decrease exam time and lighten the workload for the sonographer.
Stress Echo and the Hypotensive Patient
Hypotension
Cardiac ultrasound labs performing dobutamine stress echocardiography are well aware of the frequency with which patients undergoing this procedure experience a potentially dangerous drop in their blood pressure. The 15° Trendelenburg angle provides a quick recovery position to restore blood pressure without the need for drugs to reverse the condition. This position also provides time for the final images to be captured and negates the need to interrupt the procedure and delay or re-schedule the patient. The reverse Trendelenburg feature allows for flexibility in utilization of the bed, where peripheral vascular procedures need to be performed in the same space as echocardiography. This feature expedites pooling in the lower extremities for enhanced Doppler studies.
Stress Echo the COPD & CHF Patient
Dyspnea
Patient demographics including large populations with COPD and CHF may require the Fowler positioning option that is featured on the EchoBed®. Easily adjusting the degree of upper torso elevation assures increased patient comfort and cooperation, which reduces exam time for increased throughput.
Equipment for the Bariatric Patient
Bariatric Patients
Bariatric patients represent a special challenge to the medical community across our country. Continuity of care is not optional; healthcare facilities must be able to accommodate every patient in today’s environment. The EchoBed® offers the highest weight limit available – 1,250 lbs – and our UL and FDA listing guarantee that patients are on the most bariatric-capable platform available. Those quality ratings on all of our products, along with an installed base (over 5,000 units) have demonstrated a life expectancy of over 10 years. These factors ensure that the EchoBed® will outlast all other platforms.
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