Estudo ergonômico do posto de trabalho de médicos ultrassonografistas

Abstract

The evolution of diagnostic medicine over the years has caused an increase on the demand for ultrasound examinations, also causing an overload to the professionals of this area. Due to this increase, several studies have reported pain and discomfort in the upper limbs due to inappropriate postures that the doctor should take when in an inadequate work environment. The aim of this study was to analyze the ergonomic conditions of the ultrasound physicians of clinics specialized in diagnostic imaging, through the following methodologies: Bibliographical survey in order to elaborate the questionnaire, interviews with the purpose of knowing better the routine of the professionals, ergonomic analysis through observations and assistance of Couto's and Strain Index's (SI) check-list methodology and workplace analysis. A total amount of 16 physicians were involved in the study, and 11 (68.75%) reported complaints of pain or paresthesia in the upper nodes. The members with the highest percentages of pain / discomfort were shoulder, lumbar and cervical. The results of the ergonomic analysis allowed us to visualize that during the examinations the doctors assume incorrect postures, abducting the shoulder in an angle superior to 30º, posteriorizing the shoulder and lateralizing the upper body. The complementary methodologies verified that the activity of the ultrasonographer physician presents high biomechanical risk. The result of the analysis of the workplace allowed to evaluate that the chair and the examination table did not conform to the minimum of comfort. It is concluded that a series of factors may indicate that the activity of the sonographers can be considered as a risk for the musculoskeletal system, which can lead to a series of musculoskeletal disorders. In order to minimize them, proposals should be made for ergonomic improvements, in the appliances, layout of the exam room and changed in the professionals' routines.