Ergonomics and Endoscopy-Related Injuries Among Endoscopists and Endoscopy Nurses. Results of International Multicenter Survey.

Background and aim: The aim was to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and patterns of endoscopy-related injury (ERI) and the knowledge of ergonomics.

Methods: A multicenter, international, cross-sectional study was conducted using a 21-item electronic survey to investigate ERI. The study included 484 (67.8%) endoscopists and 230 (32.2%) endoscopy nurses from 91 centers.

Results: A total of 714 respondents (60.5% women, 93% right-handed, median age 40 years [IQR 33-48 years]) from 36 countries participated. Among them, 42.1% of endoscopists and 27.8% of nurses had > 10 years of experience performing endoscopy. ERI affecting at least one anatomic location was reported frequently by 70.1% of endoscopists and 87.8% of nurses (p < 0.001). Additionally, 87.1% of participants experienced pain in multiple areas. ERI was most common in the lower back (70% vs. 85.7%, p < 0.001) and the neck (62.4% vs. 74.3%, p = 0.001) among symptomatic endoscopists and nurses, respectively. Twenty-three percent of symptomatic respondents had modified their endoscopic practice. Among symptomatic respondents, 33% had sought a medical consultation, and 12% had required sick leave. However, only 12.7% of participants reported previous formal ergonomics education. Female gender, level of experience, number of endoscopic procedures, use of one-piece lead aprons, and the profession of endoscopy nursing were identified as factors associated with the development of ERI.

Conclusions: The prevalence of ERI among endoscopists and nurses was very high. The pattern and risk factors for ERI were similar between the two groups. Ergonomics and educational measures for the prevention and management of ERIs are necessary.