Standing PACS Workstations Improve Radiologist Health, Decrease RSI

Written by Ronny Bachrach on September 8, 2014. Posted in Digital Radiography and PACS, PACS, Software

A lot of research into the cost-effective benefits of replacing outdated PACS with newer systems that streamline radiologist workflows has been done. While digital platforms facilitate the storage and recall of medical imaging results, a new study has shown that they also might be impacting the health of physicians.

HealthImaging reported that research from Stanford University’s School of Medicine and the University of California, Berkeley, indicated that working longer hours at a breast imaging PACS workstation may lead to an increased risk of repetitive strain injury. The study, published in the August 2014 issue of the Journal of American College of Radiology, was led by Atalie Thompson, M.D., from Stanford.

Digital imaging saves time and costs and improves efficiency, but with increasing case volumes and longer workstation hours, radiologists may develop painful RSI symptoms that limit productivity,” wrote Thompson, quoted by the news source.

The researchers surveyed 727 radiologists, with more than 60 percent claiming to have experienced RSI and another 33 percent reporting prior treatment for overuse syndrome. Roughly 57 percent stated that they had worked eight hours or more at a single workstation throughout their day. However, there were certain factors that impacted the rise of RSI, including:

  • Increase in age
  • Number of hours spent working each day
  • Time sitting in awkward positions, e.g. bent wrists, hunched shoulders

The authors explained that ergonomic equipment designed to keep employees comfortable was used by 91.7 percent of respondents, but 86.6 percent had not received training of any kind in ergonomics. However, an overwhelming majority (84.8 percent) said they were interested in participating in training exercises.

Because some workstations and diagnostic imaging rooms may not be optimized for radiologists’ comfort, providers should look to a recent University of Washington study for more insight into improving the PACS experience.

Exercising while reading results
AuntMinnie.com reported that radiologists at the University of Washington have had exercise equipment installed in their reading rooms to increase physical activity throughout the work day. Led by Michael Richardson, M.D., professor of musculoskeletal radiology, researchers cited evidence that suggests prolonged hours spent sitting can increase an individual’s risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Because digital imaging professionals tend to be sedentary, Richardson and his colleagues set out to improve the working habits of radiologists by monitoring physical activity. Movements were measured using pedometers or mobile phone apps that quantified calories used, steps or miles walked, or the intensity of activity.

Although taking regular breaks from sitting helped, the University of Washington researchers believed that standing PACS workstations increased the energy expenditures of physicians by as much as 13 percent, compared to 0 percent used sitting motionless. The marked rise in movement suggests that standing desks can be a major asset in reducing workplace sedentary time and obesity.

In addition, installing fitness equipment can improve overall health in the radiology department. Richardson’s team had treadmills placed under standing workstations that were used by two faculty members and roughly one in five of the department’s residents. They walked between one and three miles per hour for times ranging between five minutes and three hours per day. The researchers found that the inclusion of treadmills did not impact diagnostic performance or generate additional noise in the reading room.

Despite the clear benefits of increased mobility through fitness equipment, PACS stations that are suited for standing can be a more viable option for radiologists. They can avoid RSI while maintaining their health at the office. Adding physical activity to the workplace does not have to be a costly endeavor and can be implemented in increments to ensure adherence and cost-effective improvements.

Contact Viztek for more information.

Ronny Bachrach

Ronny Bachrach

Marketing Director at Viztek LLC
Responsible for all marketing activities including, press, advertising, trade show coordination, website management, dealer and customer communications.
Ronny Bachrach
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