Baylor Scott and White Cardiac Imaging Core Lab

Roberts, B. J., D. B. Adams and J. P. Baker (2019). “The Pandemic of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Can We Stem the Tide in Cardiac Sonography?” J Am Soc Echocardiogr 32(9): 1147-1150.

Full text of this article.

In this issue of JASE, Barros-Gomes et al., of the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN), have published an article titled “Characteristics and Consequences of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain among Cardiac Sonographers Compared with Peer Employees: A Multisite Cross-Sectional Study,” in which they assess the frequency, magnitude, and impact of work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP) among cardiac sonographers compared with a control group of peer employees. Data were gathered from a total of 416 respondents through an electronic survey, 111 cardiac sonographers (27%) and 305 peer employee control subjects (73%), at 10 Mayo Clinic facilities in four states. The control group consisted of a diverse cohort of peer workers within the cardiology department, ranging from patient care personnel to administrative assistants. Pain levels were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. The overall prevalence of WRMSP was compared between the two groups, as well as in specific areas of the body commonly affected, namely and from greatest to least, the neck, shoulder, lower back, hand, upper back, and elbow. The level for statistical significance was adjusted to P < .01 (as opposed to P < .05) because multiple-group comparisons were being made. As seen in Figure 2 in the article, the prevalence of WRMSP was almost double in the sonographer group compared with the control group. Significant differences in pain prevalence also existed in every body part that was assessed: neck, shoulder, lower back, hand, upper back, and elbow. The results of the study can be summarized as follows: 1. WRMSP in sonographers is highly prevalent, with 86% of those surveyed affected. 2. Sonographers' pain is more severe and is worsening at a greater rate compared with the control group. 3. The neck, shoulder, lower back, and hand are the most frequently affected regions. 4. Because of pain, sonographers more often seek medical evaluation and miss workdays. (Excerpt from text, p. 1147; no abstract available.)