Should endoscopists train like athletes?

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Procedure

Should Endoscopists Train Like Athletes?

Some endoscopists argue, in fact, that their colleagues should train for GI endoscopy the way athletes do, with a focus on core and task-dependent muscles and joints.

Approximately 52 million gastrointestinal endoscopies are performed annually in the U.S.

It is no wonder, then, that 71 percent of participating GI endoscopists reported endoscopy-related musculoskeletal injuries in a recent survey from the American College of Gastroenterology.

As the number of GI endoscopy procedures is expected to climb — especially with new official guidance for initial colorectal cancer screening at age 45overuse injuries will become an even bigger concern among practicing GI physicians.

 

Should Endoscopists Train Like Athletes?

Ergonomics refers to the science of matching workplace conditions with optimal worker performance. This means reducing stress to eliminate injuries associated with overuse and non-neutral postures and positions of joints, head, neck, shoulders, and extremities.

GI endoscopy procedures often require repetitive motions over a long time, so they can put undue strain on physicians.

Participants in the ACG survey noted above reported feeling endoscopy-related pain in several areas, including:

  • Thumb (64%)
  • Hand/Fingers (59%)
  • Neck (57%)
  • Lower back (54%)

But, research shows ergonomics training in fellowship can lead to fewer recorded musculoskeletal injuries in later practice.

Some endoscopists argue, in fact, that their colleagues should train for GI endoscopy the way athletes do, with a focus on core and task-dependent muscles and joints. Ergonomics training for endoscopists could help improve efficiency of movement, load handling, and improve performance and stamina, similar to the way professional athletes benefit from training.

Resources

Ergonomics of Endoscopy

This video from ACG includes helpful tips for endoscopy suite setup to reduce neck, back and shoulder pain. In addition, there are demonstrations of some stretches that may help reduce musculoskeletal injuries if done regularly between procedures.

Ergonomics 101

Here's a brief overview of some ways to address big ergonomics challenges in the endoscopy suite.

Women in Endoscopy: Addressing Ergonomics Challenges

Data show that women and men experience different overuse injuries in GI endoscopy. Here’s a quick look at some of the key differences.

Q&A: Dr. Marybeth Spanarkel 

In a recent interview with SingleUse Endoscopy Dr. Marybeth Spanarkel spoke about the risks of overuse injuries in GI endoscopy and one way to limit forces needed during looping in colonoscopy.

More Endoscopy Suite Articles
Reprocessing Success Requires All-Hands Approach
Prevention Strategies
โ€œA multidisciplinary approach is necessary to optimize clinical resources, decrease associated risk, and improve patient safety associated with the use of flexible endoscopes," the authors of a new study write.
Why Do Some Duodenoscopes Remain Contaminated After Reprocessing?
Prevention Challenges
Manufacturers as well as federal agencies have made a host of recommendations, from manual cleaning on to disinfection and sterilization. But โ€œthereโ€™s really not a lot of data on how effective they are in clinical use,โ€ a researcher says.
More From Single-Use Endoscopy
Women in endoscopy.

Best Practices

Join a one-hour panel with top gastroenterologists as they discuss work-life balance and ergonomics challenges for women in endoscopy.

Technician cleaning surgical equipment.

Prevention Challenges

Webinar discusses unique risks to reprocessing personnel posed by the spray of dangerous chemicals and potentially contaminants during disinfection of endoscopes.

Should endoscopists train like athletes?

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Procedure

An overview of ergonomics challenges and available resources for GI physicians struggling with endoscopy-related injury or pain.